The AI revolution is here, and it's transforming the job market in London. But as the capital's biggest employers warn, the city is facing a widening skills gap as AI reshapes the workforce. This is a critical issue that demands our attention and action. In my opinion, the AI steering committee's plan is a step in the right direction, but it's just the beginning. We need to do more to prepare Londoners for the future of work, and I believe the mayor's AI and Jobs Taskforce is on the right track. However, we must not fall into the trap of polarizing views, as Sir Sadiq Khan rightly points out. The AI 'jobs apocalypse' is not inevitable, but we must act now to shape the transition and ensure Londoners are equipped with the skills they need. The committee's recommendations are a good start, but we must go further. I propose that we create a comprehensive, city-wide careers and skills service, one that is accessible to all Londoners and designed to help them navigate the changing job market. We should also establish a real-time dashboard to track AI's impact on jobs, allowing us to anticipate and address any issues before they become crises. Additionally, we must invest in adult learning and reform the growth and skills levy to ensure that Londoners have the opportunity to upskill and reskill. The committee's call for employers to help design training is also crucial. We need to involve businesses in the process, so they can understand the skills gap and work with us to address it. But we must also involve workers and educators in this process. As Adam Cantwell-Corn from the Trades Union Congress points out, workers need to be part of the decision-making process. We must create a partnership between employers, workers, and educators to redesign jobs and ensure that automation is used to enhance, not replace, human skills. The AI steering committee's plan is a good start, but it's just the beginning. We need to take bold action to prepare Londoners for the future of work, and I believe the mayor's AI and Jobs Taskforce is on the right track. However, we must not be complacent. We must continue to innovate, adapt, and invest in the skills of our workforce. Only then can we ensure that London remains a global leader in the AI revolution, and that its citizens are equipped to thrive in the jobs of the future.
