TRADE UNIONS queued up today to tell the Welsh government to heed workers’ warnings before embracing artificial intelligence to boost the Welsh economy.

The Welsh government was responding to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s call for AI to be used to drive economic growth and unions in Wales were quick to warn that they needed to have their concerns addressed.

Trade unions in Wales are part of the Welsh government’s social partnership mechanism and have told the government and employers that AI must not be used to undermine workers’ rights.

A TUC Cymru spokesperson said: “WTUC welcomes the UK Prime Minister’s statement on the use of AI in non-devolved public services.  

“It is key such developments must be taken forward in co-operation with unions.

“TUC Cymru has developed guidance on the use of AI algorithmic management in public services and this will help ensure that workers benefit from AI and the many risks of the new technology are tackled.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan said Wales is uniquely placed to benefit from the AI infrastructure plans, with work already under way to develop tech hubs, shared resources and data centres.

Her government is expecting the lion’s share of US tech giant Vantage Data Centres’ plan to invest £12 billion in Britain and the creation of over 11,500 jobs to come to Wales, with plans to develop the former Ford factory site in Bridgend to become one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses. 

Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans is leading the Welsh government review to explore how Wales can capitalise on opportunities and develop strengths in the development of AI-based technologies.

“There can be enormous benefits to the economy in establishing the tech and wider infrastructure here in Wales,” Ms Morgan said. 

“Industry leaders recognise that the conditions are right in Wales, with a government that will do what it can to make these plans a reality.”

The National Union of Journalists has raised concerns over the use of generative AI within journalism, and the harm caused to the information ecosystem where developers fail to meet their responsibilities, resulting in reckless and dangerous practices. 

The union has condemned recent incidents with Apple Intelligence falsely changing stories from the BBC saying they served as a warning of the consequences of unethical use of AI.