What does AI really mean for jobs in Wales?
The Senedd will debate a report this week on how artificial intelligence (AI) could shape the Welsh economy, with jobs at the centre of the discussion.
The Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs (ETRA) Committee’s report will be debated in Plenary on Tuesday 24 September. It comes as businesses, unions and government raise concerns over how new technologies will affect workers.
Research commissioned by the UK Government suggests that by 2035, around 10 million UK workers will see AI become part of their job in some way, with almost 4 million in roles directly linked to the technology.
At the same time, the Institute for Public Policy Research warns that 4.4 million jobs across the UK could be at risk due to generative AI, rising to 8 million in a worst-case scenario.
For Wales, a recent TUC poll found that 60% of respondents were worried about AI’s impact on their job.
The union body said productivity could improve if workers are included in the debate, and suggested shorter working hours could be one outcome.
Evidence gathered by the ETRA Committee shows a mixed picture.
The Institute for the Future of Work’s Pissarides Review found that most firms adopting new technologies reported job creation, but more than half also said roles had been replaced.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has raised concerns that AI could introduce bias in recruitment, while academics have highlighted risks of technology entrenching inequalities, such as older workers being pushed out of the labour market.
Business groups and unions agree on one area: training and digital skills will be vital.
TUC Cymru has called for government support so workers understand AI systems and remain central to decision-making.
FSB Wales has warned of poor digital literacy levels in parts of Wales, and stressed the role of education in preparing the workforce.
The Welsh Government has promised “cutting-edge AI and digital skills in every Welsh secondary school” and is working with partners to develop AI centres of excellence, aimed at supporting a just transition for workers.
Alongside the jobs debate, the Senedd report also looks at wider economic opportunities. Research shows the number of AI companies in Wales doubled between 2022 and 2024, although the country is home to only 1.4% of UK AI office locations.
The UK Government is expected to announce a Welsh site for an “AI growth zone” later this year, with new data centre investment already under way.
The Senedd debate on the ETRA Committee’s report will be broadcast live on Senedd TV.
AI was used in the production of this article, drawing on material from Senedd Research
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