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One Fifth Of UK Workers Are Using AI, Without Telling The Boss

By: Kirstie McDermott

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A new report by investment firm Shore Capital has highlighted companies where AI is more than just a buzzword.
A new report by investment firm Shore Capital has highlighted companies where AI is more than just a buzzword.

Generative AI developments are moving faster than most of us can keep up with. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) has found that public awareness of AI has increased over the past year, with 72% of adults now able to give at least a partial explanation of AI.

That compares with 56% in 2022’s Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s Public Attitudes to Data and AI Tracker Survey (PADAI). Day-to-day, 5% of UK adults say they’re using AI “a lot”, with 45% using it a little.

AI is making its way into the world of work too. The ONS’ Business and Insights Conditions Survey (BICS) found that 16% of businesses are currently using at least one AI application, most commonly for improving cybersecurity (35%), and creating efficiencies (35%).

The juggernaut-style adoption of generative AI technology has caused concern among legislators and senior tech leaders. In May, Geoffrey Hinton, aka the “godfather of AI” announced his resignation from Google in a statement to the New York Times, and said he regretted his work.

Hinton said some of the dangers of AI chatbots were “quite scary”, and that “Right now, they’re not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be.”

That concern has been echoed by tech leaders such as Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. In an open letter published in March, the pair, along with many other leaders, called for the artificial intelligence industry to take a six-month pause in order to develop safety protocols.

And now, The House of Lords’ Communications and Digital Committee has launched an inquiry into large language models (LLMs). “The latest large language models present enormous and unprecedented opportunities,” says the committee’s chair, Baroness Stowell of Beeston.

“But we need to be clear-eyed about the challenges. We have to investigate the risks in detail and work out how best to address them – without stifling innovation in the process. We also need to be clear about who wields power as these models develop and become embedded in daily business and personal lives.”

Caution

Despite this caution, new research from artificial intelligence and data analytics firm Aimpoint Digital has found that 20% of people in the UK have used an AI tool, with another 21% saying they have done so at work––and 50% of those admit to doing so without their bosses’ knowledge or approval.

Typical use cases include experimentation (45%), exploration of AI’s capabilities (33%) and learning new things (33%).

So while AI might not take your job yet, it can be used to make life a little easier. Digital assistants and generative AI tools can take time-sucking admin work off your plate, and can also streamline business workflows, and automate routine tasks.

If you’re looking for a new role where you can do your best work (with a little help from AI), then the City PM Job Board is a perfect place to start. It contains thousands of open roles, like the three below.

Financial Controller, LendInvest, London

LendInvest is the UK’s leading fintech platform for property finance, and with a Financial Control team that is relatively new to the organisation, strong leadership coupled with a high degree of coaching and mentoring is required in this Financial Controller role. Split between offices in Glasgow and London, excellent communication will be required to ensure that colleagues operate as one team. To apply, you’ll need to be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA or equivalent) with five years’ PQE. Financial services experience is essential, preferably in a mortgage lender. Get more details now.

Director, Finance, S&P Global, London

S&P Global is looking for a Finance Director for a highly visible role where you will work closely with the department heads and leadership teams to execute on the RASS growth agenda. You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, maths or a related field, along with strong knowledge of the US GAAP is preferred. Plus, you’ll require six years’ experience in providing proven decision support and financial leadership to senior stakeholders in a large, complex organisation. Get all the details here.

Finance Oversight Manager, Aviva, London

As Finance Oversight Manager, you will play a key role in providing leadership, oversight, and direction for the relationship with Aviva’s outsourced service providers, partnering with key stakeholders from around the Aviva Investors business. To be considered, you’ll need to be able to engage well with a wide network of contacts across Aviva AI using internal and external relationships, have a broad understanding of the company’s products and processes, as well as a proven ability to build and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Apply for this job now.

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