The Workers Union has continued its ongoing coverage of the UK’s artificial intelligence (AI) adoption crisis, as Google’s top UK and European executive, Debbie Weinstein, issues a stark warning over the country’s slow uptake of emerging AI technologies.
In a newly published AI Works report, Google reveals that while artificial intelligence has the potential to add up to £400 billion to Britain’s economy by 2030, the country is on track to miss out on half of that growth due to sluggish adoption across key industries and demographics.
Weinstein, president of Google in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, described the findings as a “call to arms,” urging employers and policymakers to equip the UK workforce with the tools and training needed to harness the full potential of generative AI. Her remarks follow a comprehensive survey by research partner Public First, which found that 66% of British workers have never used generative AI in their jobs. The numbers are particularly stark among women over the age of 55 and individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, indicating a troubling digital divide in adopting automation and technology in the workplace.
Productivity promise hindered by lack of guidance
Google’s report paints a concerning picture: while employees are often keen to engage with AI in work technology, most do so without structured support or employer-driven initiatives. Only 22% of workers have been encouraged to use AI tools by their employers, down from 28% just six months ago. In contrast, 70% of users initiated AI adoption independently, highlighting the absence of coordinated workplace strategies or formalised guidance on AI usage.
“AI adoption is largely happening without official workplace guidance,” the report states. This absence of structured implementation risks not only delaying productivity gains but also widening skill gaps between different sectors and workforce groups.
Historical lag in UK technology uptake
While other countries face similar hurdles in AI adoption, the UK has a historical pattern of trailing behind its global peers when it comes to integrating new technologies with firms failing to incest in tech. According to Google’s findings, this long-standing delay between innovation and implementation has repeatedly cost the UK in unrealised economic growth. A perfect example of this is the £1 billion investment in a UK data centre by Google which has been a milestone for job creation and AI growth.
“Innovation without adoption is an opportunity lost,” the report notes. “Given AI’s extraordinary economic potential, this long-tail pattern of adoption risks delaying productivity and compromising long-term growth.”
Urgent need for skills, training and accreditation
One of the central barriers to effective AI adoption is the lack of accessible and accredited short training courses. Workers are not only uncertain about what tools are appropriate to use, but also lack opportunities to develop relevant skills in a structured manner.
Google is calling on the Government to integrate AI adoption into its industrial strategy and work alongside the newly created Skills England to introduce certified, bite-sized AI training programmes that can be rolled out at scale. These would offer accessible upskilling pathways for workers of all backgrounds, helping bridge the knowledge and confidence gap currently holding Britain back.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle responded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to upskilling the nation’s workforce:
“We will support workers to develop the skills they need for jobs in and with AI, so that all parts of society can benefit from this technology.”
Kyle also pointed to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will work in conjunction with Skills England to analyse current talent shortages and collaborate with training providers to address those deficits.
Small business and community pilots show promise
Google’s efforts have extended beyond research. The tech firm is currently piloting AI adoption initiatives with small businesses across the UK, employing behavioural science techniques to drive engagement. In addition, it is collaborating with school academies to develop grassroots AI literacy.
The success of these pilots in the UK has prompted Google to consider expanding its AI Works programme into international markets, with Germany identified as a potential next destination.
A critical moment for the UK workforce
As a very early adopter of AI The Workers Union has covered the digital transformation of UK industry and the evolving role of artificial intelligence on several occasions. This latest development reinforces the urgency of tackling the UK’s digital skills deficit head-on.
While AI offers an extraordinary opportunity to redefine productivity, working conditions, and economic resilience, it cannot fulfil that promise without decisive action.
The Workers Union Says…
“Failure to act risks cementing a two-tier workforce—those who benefit from AI-driven productivity and those left behind. Bridging the AI adoption gap must become a national priority if Britain is to remain competitive on the global stage.”
