Unlocking the UK's AI opportunity: new report calls for investment in workforce skills

A major new report published by The Rigby Foundation in partnership with Learning and Work Institute has highlighted both the scale of the AI opportunity and the urgent need to invest in workforce skills if the UK is to realise its full economic potential.

Building an AI-ready workforce: Creating a skills system that prepares UK knowledge workers for the AI transition estimates that comprehensive AI upskilling could unlock £80 billion of economic value by 2035, and sets out a practical roadmap for preparing the UK's workforce for the age of AI.

Drawing on employer research, economic modelling and expert input, the report proposes five practical actions to accelerate AI readiness across the workforce:

• Incentivising employer investment in skills through a new Skills Tax Credit;
• Establishing a dedicated AI Skills Intelligence Unit;
• Building AI-ready leadership and management capability;
• Accelerating the development of technical qualifications and AI-ready training pathways; and
• Introducing industry-recognised AI micro-credentials to support lifelong learning and workforce mobility.

The Rigby Foundation are grateful to the team at Learning and Work Institute, the Advisory Group and the many employers, educators and experts who contributed their insight and expertise to this work. Their contributions have helped shape a practical and evidence-based roadmap for preparing the UK's workforce for the age of AI.

See the report here.