27% of jobs at high risk from AI revolution, says OECD

PARIS (Reuters) – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed on Tuesday that more than a quarter of jobs in the OECD could be easily automated with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), causing concerns among workers about job security. The OECD consists of 38 member countries, including wealthy nations and emerging economies like Mexico and Estonia. While there is currently limited evidence of AI significantly impacting jobs, the OECD warns that this may be due to the early stages of the AI revolution.

According to the OECD’s 2023 Employment Outlook, jobs at the highest risk of automation constitute an average of 27% of the labor force in OECD countries, with eastern European countries being the most exposed. These high-risk jobs are defined as those that rely on more than 25 out of 100 skills and abilities that AI experts believe can be easily automated.

In a previous survey conducted by the OECD across seven countries, it was found that three out of five workers fear losing their jobs to AI within the next decade. However, it should be noted that the survey was conducted before the emergence of generative AI like ChatGPT.

Interestingly, despite concerns about job security, two-thirds of workers already working with AI stated that automation has actually made their jobs less dangerous or tedious. This highlights the potential benefits of AI in enhancing workplace safety and efficiency.

During a news conference, OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann emphasized the importance of policy actions in determining how AI will impact workers in the future. He urged governments to assist workers in preparing for these changes and to ensure that they can benefit from the opportunities brought about by AI. The OECD also suggested that implementing minimum wages and collective bargaining could help alleviate the pressure on wages caused by AI, and governments and regulators should safeguard workers’ rights to prevent any compromises.

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The long-term effects of AI on jobs are still uncertain, but it is clear that proactive measures are necessary to create a future where workers can thrive alongside AI technology.

(Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Emma Rumney)

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