Jessica O'ConnorA report from Google has outlined a roadmap for unlocking up to £400bn in economic growth in the UK, but only if the country successfully accelerates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across its workforce.
The AI Works report revealed the UK’s current lag in AI usage at work, despite soaring public interest.
According to the findings, two-thirds of UK workers – particularly older women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds – have never used generative AI on the job.
This divide, the report warned, could significantly limit the economic potential of AI-powered innovation.
It said: “While the UK stands to gain up to £400bn in economic growth from AI-powered innovation, half of this depends on workers actually adopting the technology
“We can’t afford to leave AI adoption to chance.”
The report pulled from Google’s nationwide AI Works pilot programme, which engaged 1,700 participants across the public and private sectors.
Developed in partnership with a union, small businesses, and educators from 15 schools, the programme tested various methods of AI upskilling, building on over a decade of digital training experience that has already reached over a million Britons.
One of the most striking findings from the pilot was how quickly AI habits can form.
The report noted that “just a few hours of training can double daily AI usage,” adding that this usage remained high even months later.
The training proved especially impactful among women over 50, narrowing a persistent adoption gap.
Another insight highlighted what Google terms a need for “permission to prompt.” Workers, it found, are eager to use AI but often wait for reassurance that it’s acceptable to do so – much like the early days of internet use at work.
Across sectors, workers reported saving more than 122 hours annually thanks to generative AI, surpassing Google’s initial estimates of 100 hours.
In response to the findings, the tech giant said it is evolving its Digital Garage initiative, including the launch of a new ‘AI Prompting Essentials’ webinar and expanded access to AI resources across UK schools.
It is also deepening its partnerships with Enterprise Nation and Community Union to widen the reach of its upskilling efforts.
The company said: “Our ambition is for this report to encourage leaders to seize this opportunity to equip everyone with the skills and tools needed to benefit from AI-powered growth.”
To ensure the UK does not fall behind, the report recommended that every business be supported to adopt AI through an Industrial Strategy that includes AI in key sectors.
It also called on the Government to lead by guaranteeing AI training and access for public sector workers.
Finally, Google urged the creation of a national culture of lifelong learning, supported by a Skills England-backed accreditation system to recognise effective short-form AI courses.
