The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has stated that UK employees must be protected from workplace decisions made by artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

The TUC warned that, in some instances, AI technology is making ‘life-changing’ decisions, including those in relation to line managing, hiring and firing.

AI systems are being used to analyse the facial expressions and tone of voice of job applicants during recruitment processes. The TUC said that this could lead to ‘greater discrimination at work’.

It also suggested that AI technologies could be used by employers to track their employees’ performances and make automated decisions to help to dismiss employees.

TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said:

‘AI is going to transform the way millions work in this country and is already being used across the economy to line-manage and hire and fire staff.

‘Without fair rules, this could lead to widespread discrimination and unfair treatment at work.

‘But the government is refusing to put in place the necessary guardrails to stop people from being exploited.

‘Instead of clear and enforceable protections, ministers have issued a series of vague and flimsy commitments that are not worth the paper they are written on. And they have failed to provide regulators with the resources they need to do their jobs properly.

‘It’s essential that employment law keeps pace with the AI revolution. But last month’s dismal AI white paper spectacularly failed to do that.’

Internet link: TUC website