PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to make Britain an AI “superpower” risks a “race to the bottom for workers” if they do not get a say in how the tech is used in the workplace, unions and experts said today.

The Prime Minister was urged not to bet the house on tech barons to save his ailing economic and industrial plans after announcing a major expansion in the technology to boost growth.

He cited examples of how AI can help teachers plan lessons, cut NHS waiting times and even “spot potholes quicker.”

But Sir Keir sparked fears for workers’ rights as he added, “When it comes to regulation, we will be pro-growth and pro-innovation,” insisting the changes would help revolutionise creaking public services and turn around Britain’s economy.

“AI isn’t something locked away behind the walls of blue chip companies; it’s a force for change that will transform the lives of working people for the better,” he said.

Institute for Employment Rights director James Harrison said: “AI is not the panacea to our economy that Starmer is making it out to be, and without adequate protections for workers, this could lead to a race to the bottom for workers.

“Starmer mentioned AI ‘working for working people,’ but didn’t cite any examples of where this happens where it doesn’t erode pay, terms and conditions, intrude on privacy, damage health and safety, and intensify work — something that our research has pointed out happens all too regularly when these types of technologies are given free rein.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The UK needs to embrace new technologies, but we also need proper protections from AI’s pitfalls and workers must have a say in how that happens.

“We also have serious concerns about matters such as AI-powered surveillance and discrimination by algorithm, particularly with ‘high-risk’ decisions like recruitment, performance assessments and discipline.

“The introduction of AI in the workplace must be something that happens with workers and not to workers.”

Unison policy officer Kate Jones said that if AI is to “play a positive role in public services, it must be managed carefully and responsibly.

“That means proper input from workers and all parts of society to ensure it’s not only the voice of big tech being heard.

“AI in the public sector has huge implications, from data privacy to bias and discrimination.

“No-one wants their details being misused by tech giants or biased algorithms making decisions about their welfare on the sly.”

The government has said it has accepted all 50 recommendations made by tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford, who was commissioned in July to come up with a plan to identify AI opportunities.

A key part of its plan is building new AI infrastructure and expanding Britain’s “sovereign” computing capacity by at least 20-fold by 2030 to keep pace with global development.

The government is to publish details for a new supercomputing facility to double the country’s existing AI research resource and a long-term compute strategy this spring.

This will be combined with plans for so-called AI growth zones, designated areas where the government would partner with the private sector to deliver large amounts of computing power to support “key national priorities” and create jobs in those areas.

A national data library of public-sector data to be used to train AI models will also be created. It is expected that NHS data would be included, sparking concern from privacy campaigners.

TUC’s digital lead and Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said: “There is a double opportunity for the UK here, not only to lead in terms of the development of technology but also to become the gold standard for ensuring everyone benefits from its implementation.

“We also need to look though at how we protect the rights of creative workers, including not just ensuring copyright protection but transparency over the use of creative work to train AI models.

“Tripartite collaboration with state, business and the workforce is the only way to ensure we achieve a future where everyone reaps the rewards of progress.”

A GMB survey has revealed just 6 per cent of school staff have been consulted about new technology before it is introduced to schools, with six in 10 worried technological progresses might be used to reduce staffing levels during the next five years.  

GMB national officer Stacey Booth said: “GMB members cannot be left out of the conversation. 

“Automation is nothing new in education and some of our members already use new technologies in their jobs.”

A spokesman for Momentum said: “Outsourcing to AI will not solve Britain’s crises. Starmer’s announcement shows a government unmasked. One that has no ideas or vision to deliver real change.”