Why is the UK at the forefront of AI-driven job cuts?

AI-linked job losses in the UK are reportedly occurring at twice the rate seen in the United States and Germany. Barclays plans to cut 5,000 jobs by the end of 2026 as it uses AI as part of efforts to reduce costs. The bank’s chief executive called AI the “icing on the cake” of those efforts, while unions accuse Barclays of using AI as an excuse to shrink its workforce. A programme hosted by James Bays examines whether the UK is prepared for AI’s impact on workers and employment.