Rudd must ensure workers have a say to benefit from automation, says TUC

Responding to a speech today (Thursday) by Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, which argued for the benefits of automation, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Any credible programme to help workers must begin with banning zero-hour contracts, scrapping universal credit and giving insecure workers new rights, such as certainty over their shifts.

“Working people understand the positive gains from automation. But they worry their employer will get all the benefits while they shoulder all the risk.

“Government, business and trade unions should work together through a Future of Work Commission to agree how future tech can pave the way for higher wages and shorter working hours. A crucial role for this commission is to set out plans for retraining workers and workplace technology agreements, so that all working people have a say on how change happens where they work.”