The government’s plans to launch an artificial intelligence-powered employment assistant described as a “job centre in your pocket” have prompted debate about how technology should be used to help people find work.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the new tool at London Tech Week on Monday as part of wider efforts to modernise public services and increase the use of AI across government. The system is intended to provide personalised support to jobseekers, helping them identify opportunities, understand their skills and navigate the labour market.
The announcement comes as policymakers look for new ways to tackle economic inactivity and improve access to employment support, while employers continue to report skills shortages in key sectors.
AI takes larger role in employment services
The government says the new tool could make support more accessible and easier to use by providing guidance through a digital platform available on demand.
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Supporters argue that AI could help jobseekers identify suitable vacancies more quickly, understand changing skills requirements and access information without needing to wait for appointments or attend job centres in person.
The proposal also reflects a broader trend towards the use of AI across recruitment and workforce planning, with employers increasingly using technology to screen applications, assess skills and identify suitable candidates.
But questions remain about how far AI should be relied upon when supporting people into employment, particularly those facing significant barriers to work.
CIPD: Human support remains essential
Lizzie Crowley, skills adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, said the proposal could help widen access to employment support if implemented effectively.
“This is a strong policy signal on using technology to widen access to work, and we welcome the intent to provide more tailored, accessible support for jobseekers,” she said. “Used well, digital tools can help people better understand their skills and navigate an increasingly complex labour market.”
Crowley said successful delivery would depend on ensuring technology complemented rather than replaced existing support services.
“However, delivery will be key. AI should enhance, not replace, the human insight and trust that effective employment support depends on. This is particularly important for those furthest from the labour market, where face-to-face support remains essential to overcoming significant barriers to work.”
Her comments reflect wider concerns about the balance between efficiency and personal support as AI becomes more deeply embedded within public services.
Employers seek confidence in AI-driven matching
The CIPD also warned that employers would need confidence in how candidates are assessed and matched to vacancies.
Crowley said employers needed assurance that technology was preparing candidates effectively and supporting sustainable employment outcomes.
“Employers will also need confidence in how candidates are matched and prepared for roles. A balanced approach that combines innovation with robust safeguards, skills investment and strong employer engagement will be essential. Done well, this will be key to improving outcomes and supporting more sustainable employment.”
The debate comes as organisations across both the public and private sectors continue to explore how AI can improve productivity and access to services while maintaining trust, fairness and human oversight.
As the government develops the new employment assistant, attention is likely to focus not only on the technology itself but also on how effectively it works alongside existing employment support and employer engagement programmes.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
