Once AI systems are given more ‘access and ability to execute tasks’ in accountancy and tax, the amount of tasks needed to be completed by a human could reduce by up to 59%, predicts the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR).

This implementation of AI into the labour market could put eight million jobs at risk across the UK but has the potential to boost GDP by 13%, estimated the IPPR, which said ‘it is urgent that policymakers start preparing a policy response now’.

Up to 11% of tasks are at risk from AI, with the likelihood of this becoming five times worse for higher paid roles (59%) ‘if AI systems become more deeply integrated in organisational processes’.

The first wave of jobs to be replaced will be back-office, entry-level roles and part-time positions, such as personal assistants, which the IPPR said are mainly occupied by women. Up to a third of admin jobs would also be under threat in ‘phase 1’ as the IPPR puts it.

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