ONS warns automation could 'replace 1.5 million jobs'

27 Mar 2019

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has warned that automation could replace up to 1.5 million jobs in the UK, leaving workers unemployed.

In a new report, the ONS found that 70% of the jobs at risk of becoming automated are carried out by women.

It also revealed that the jobs 'most at risk' of automation are those considered to be 'routine or low-skilled'. Jobs at the lowest risk of becoming automated are medical practitioners, teaching professionals and senior professionals within education.

The ONS warned that the automation of jobs could impact the UK's labour market, economy and society.

In its report, the ONS stated: 'It is not so much that robots are taking over, but that routine and repetitive tasks can be carried out more quickly and efficiently by an algorithm written by a human, or a machine designed for one specific function.'