A new union survey has found widespread concern among workers about the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, with almost half fearing that AI could ultimately replace their roles.
The poll, carried out by the GMB union and based on responses from more than 5,000 workers across multiple sectors, suggests deep anxiety over the pace at which automation is being introduced into workplaces.
According to the findings, 48 per cent of respondents said they are worried AI will take their job, while 58 per cent believe it will reduce employment opportunities within their workplace more broadly.
The results also indicate that AI is already being deployed across a significant share of firms. Around 29 per cent of workers said their employer has already introduced AI tools, with a quarter of those reporting that the technology is now carrying out tasks previously done by staff.
Concerns over workplace surveillance also feature prominently. Nearly half of those surveyed said they believe AI is being used to monitor them or their colleagues’ activity, raising questions over how far employers are integrating monitoring systems into day-to-day operations.
The findings come amid growing debate over the impact of automation on retail and manufacturing jobs, with recent restructuring announcements in the sector prompting further scrutiny from trade unions.
This week, it was reported that around 1,000 jobs at Asda’s George clothing brand are expected to be affected by increased use of AI and automation, while job losses at Nestlé have also been linked to the introduction of new technology systems.
The GMB said the survey highlights the need for clearer safeguards as companies adopt AI at pace, arguing that workers are being left uncertain about how the technology will reshape their roles.
Union representatives are expected to raise the issue at the GMB’s annual congress in Blackpool, where workers will share experiences of how AI is already being used in the workplace.
Robert Battell, Nestle Worker, told GMB Congress: “It’s heartbreaking to see colleagues – friends – you’ve worked with for years lose their jobs and be replaced by robots.
“That can’t be right, but that’s what’s happening at Nestle and many other businesses around the UK.
“It’s a terrifying vision for the future, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“AI and robotics will change the world of work, just as much as the Industrial Revolution did.
“AI is not the enemy, it genuinely can make work better, but we must have laws to protect workers from AI being used for wrong reasons by bad bosses.
“It opens up incredibly opportunities but also carries huge risk.
“We can’t just leave it to companies to do the right thing. As we all know, their priority will almost always be their bottom line.
The Government must legislate to protect workers’ jobs or guarantee retraining or redeployment when change is unavoidable.
“That’s what needs to happen now, at Nestle, before hundreds of workers are left behind.”
While proponents of AI argue it can improve efficiency and reduce repetitive tasks, the survey suggests that many employees remain unconvinced, with a significant proportion fearing that the benefits may come at the expense of job security.
As the debate over AI regulation intensifies, the findings add to mounting pressure on employers and policymakers to clarify how automation will be managed in the workplace — and who ultimately bears the cost of its disruption.
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