A growing sense of trepidation is gripping the UK workforce as artificial intelligence increasingly permeates various sectors. Dubbed 'Fobo' – or fear of becoming obsolete – this anxiety is particularly pronounced in public sector agencies, where AI is being touted as a cost-cutting tool, leading to significant job restructuring and redundancies. The spectre of technological obsolescence looms large for many workers, who are left wondering if their skills will become redundant in the face of rapid innovation.
For Paul, a public sector employee, this fear is all too real. Having faced redundancy twice in two years – once in 2024 and now again as a result of AI-driven restructuring – he's struggling to come to terms with his changed circumstances. As he and his partner prepare for the arrival of their first child and navigate the complexities of mortgage repayments, Paul feels disillusioned by the technology that was meant to augment human capabilities, but is now being used to replace them.
The public sector job cuts announced in recent weeks have been met with headlines highlighting plans to replace thousands of roles with AI. These announcements can be particularly distressing for those directly affected, who feel a sense of betrayal and disillusionment with the system. The emotional fallout from these announcements is compounded by the public discourse surrounding efficiency and cost reduction – a narrative that often feels at odds with the human impact.
However, researchers at MIT Future Tech offer a more nuanced perspective on AI's role in the job market. In empirical examinations published in April, they suggest that widespread job losses may be overstated and unhelpful predictions. Instead, their findings indicate that workers should view AI developments as an opportunity to upskill and reskill – allowing time for preparation and adaptation.
Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Dr. Reece Akhtar recommend cultivating human skills that machines cannot replicate, including curiosity, humility, and emotional intelligence. Alongside developing these 'super-talents', networking and collaboration are highlighted as essential strategies for navigating the changing job market – encouraging individuals to stay connected with colleagues and professional communities rather than facing change in isolation.