Rachel Reeves MP - Future of Work talk 10th June '19

Two things

- low productivity
- insecure contracts

And they're linked.

Not enough technology

insecure contracts
- worker status of gig workers, workers by 'default'

Boris Johnson wants to cut taxes for the rich - what's his argumwnt for that?

Easier to hire and fire in the UK than other European countries. Makes employers want to take
more risks on hiring than investing in capital (e.g. tech). Worker Flexibility reduces investment in
capital - worse with more gig workers?

Reduction in manufacturing. High end manufacturing in UK tends to be most productive, and

that's being cut.

Mostly tech in history replaced routine and dangerous jobs. Actually people don't enjoy these
tasks. Few places where WHOLE jobs are replaced - instead it's tasks within those jobs. (So
what tasks can tech do?). Leaves humans to do more creative roles.

Fewer working hours and lower working week. Employers experimenting (but isn't this Keynes
therroy from 20s gone wrong?).

RISK: high skills jobs move overseas and we're left with low skilled jobs.

KEY: re-skill British workers to take up the high skills job. Our education focuses on
academically gifted and neglects others, particularly those without formal qualifications. Neglect
of FE colleges, skills, adult education.

KEY: who owns capital. Growth of big data and tech - profits captured by big companies, which
widens inequality. Can create oligopolies and monopolies (e.g. taxis, food companies). Role of
tech in consolidating inequality. (E.g. Uber people bring their cars but don't get a return on that,
their capital, their only paid for their wages).

Technology inevitable, we must embrace. In all technologies, unless you're a leader you don't
get the benefits (e.g. think 5G). Automation CAN lead to higher wages, better jobs, better
productivity.

End of intro
------ QA -------

Will low paid jobs go?

- no, lots of skills in low skilled jobs like care can't be automated, but skills in things like
accountancy can. Not easy to say 'low skilled', because that changes. (Emptahy, engagement,
creativity - human traits).
Green jobs
- bill tomorrow to move towards 'net zero' - huge job creation here. (E.g. switch to hydrogen
boilers, creates jobs).

Flexibility
- other countries still have a higher emoloyment.
- need to end scourge of in-jobs poverty. Higher wages, more secure work. Look at union rights
- power structure in the workforce. Bigger companies and.

Resources (from room)

- CGP Grey - Humans need not apply (videos on YouTube about technology)
- Hired (guy on a panel on Abdis next event)
- look out for - the future of leisure

Challenge our assumptions

- Monday to Friday, customer expectations

Purpose of work
- mining brought community, family, leisure. A lot of people with leisure time who don't know
what they want to do (education should help people find this, although our
- career year. Why do we do what we do. Help people to find something they're passionate
about and good at - makes