AI Boosts UK Economy by £400bn

Sunita Somvanshi

Google's UK pilot program reveals workers could save 122 hours yearly—three full work weeks—by using AI for administrative tasks.

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The economic payoff could be massive, with potential to boost the UK economy by £400 billion ($533 billion) by 2030 if AI adoption becomes widespread.

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Workers often hesitate to use AI tools without explicit permission, with Debbie Weinstein noting people wanted "permission to prompt" before feeling comfortable using the technology.

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A few hours of basic AI training doubled adoption rates, with usage remaining steady months after initial training.

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Older women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds showed the biggest adoption gap, with only 9% using AI daily before intervention.

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After receiving permission and training, usage among women over 55 jumped dramatically—from 9% to 29% daily use within three months.

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The pilot, conducted across small businesses, educational trusts, and a union, showed that removing psychological barriers was crucial for AI adoption.

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Replacing manual tasks with AI tools—like cutting form-filling time from an hour to ten minutes—reduces stress and frees workers for more valuable activities.

Photo Source: AI Generated (CC0 1.0)

Representative Image.