London could face mass unemployment as AI continues to reshape the global workforce, Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned, raising concerns that rapid technological advances may outpace job creation in the UK capital.
Speaking ahead of a major address on Thursday, Khan said London was particularly vulnerable because of its concentration of finance, professional services and creative industry jobs, many of which are susceptible to automation. He cautioned that without urgent action, mass unemployment as AI evolves could destabilise the city’s labour market.
The mayor said while artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, its unchecked deployment could deepen inequality and displace millions of workers. He announced a review into AI’s impact on London’s workforce alongside plans to roll out free AI training for residents to help them adapt to the changing job landscape.
Khan stressed that governments and regulators must act quickly to ensure technology works for people, warning that mass unemployment as AI accelerates would undermine social stability if workers are left behind.
The debate over AI’s long-term impact on employment remains divided. While some analysts predict large-scale job losses, others argue the technology will ultimately create new roles, even as existing jobs are transfor
med.