London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to widespread job losses and even mass unemployment if governments fail to introduce clear rules and protections quickly.
In a major speech at Mansion House, Khan is expected to say that London is especially vulnerable because its economy depends heavily on white-collar jobs in sectors such as finance, law, marketing, media, accounting, and creative industries. These are areas where AI tools are already advancing rapidly.
Entry-Level Jobs Most at Risk
According to the mayor, junior and entry-level roles are likely to be hit first, making it harder for young people to enter the workforce. He will argue that governments, businesses, and educators have a shared responsibility to make sure new jobs and skills replace those lost to automation.
Khan is expected to say that society has a moral, social, and economic duty to prepare workers for the changes ahead rather than reacting too late.
Skills Will Change Rapidly by 2030
The mayor will highlight research suggesting that around 70% of skills used in today’s jobs could change by 2030. While this creates uncertainty, Khan believes it also presents an opportunity if managed correctly.
He will stress that AI has the potential to:
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Improve public services
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Increase economic productivity
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Help solve complex challenges in areas such as healthcare, transport, and climate policy
However, he will warn that reckless or unregulated use of AI could instead damage livelihoods and widen inequality.
Sadiq Khan is expected to say there is a clear choice. He will say AI can be used to help society move forward, or it can be misused and cause people to lose jobs and opportunities.
New London AI Taskforce and Free Training
To respond to the challenge, City Hall is launching a new AI and Future of Work taskforce. The group will include experts from government, business, and the technology sector and will study how AI is likely to reshape London’s job market.
The mayor will also announce free AI skills training for Londoners, aimed at helping workers adapt and stay competitive as technology evolves.
Polling by City Hall shows that more than half of London workers expect AI to affect their job within the next year, highlighting growing concern across the workforce.
UK-Wide Job Impact Concerns
Across the UK, the potential impact is significant. Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research suggests that up to three million low-skilled jobs in areas such as administration, machine operation, and manual trades could disappear by 2035 due to automation and AI.
However, experts remain divided. Some technology companies say AI will support workers rather than replace them. A recent report by US AI firm Anthropic found that while AI can assist with parts of many jobs, it still struggles with complex tasks that require human judgment, creativity, and higher education.
Warning Against “AI Hype” Job Cuts
Meanwhile, research firm Forrester has warned that some companies may be cutting jobs too quickly due to AI hype rather than real technological readiness. The firm cautioned that replacing people before AI systems are fully proven could lead to costly mistakes and reputational damage.
The report described a trend known as “AI washing”, where businesses blame job cuts on future AI plans rather than current financial pressures.
Learning From Past Technology Mistakes
Khan will also argue that governments were too slow to respond to earlier digital changes, such as the rise of social media, which he says contributed to:
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Youth mental health problems
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Online abuse
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The spread of misinformation
He will urge faster and smarter action this time to ensure AI benefits society rather than harms it.
London Safety and Global Talent
In a related development, Susan Langley, Mayor of the City of London, said some international finance workers remain concerned about safety in the capital. However, she strongly rejected claims that London is unsafe.
She described London as one of the safest major cities in the world and warned that exaggerated crime fears could damage the UK’s ability to attract global investment and talent.
Why This Matters
AI is advancing faster than most previous technologies. Decisions made now could shape jobs, skills, and economic opportunity for decades. Leaders like Sadiq Khan are calling for early action, worker protection, and skills investment to avoid repeating past mistakes.
