Marvin OnumonuA Government trial found artificial intelligence (AI) could save civil servants nearly two weeks a year, with staff cutting time spent on routine admin and paperwork by using new technology for everyday tasks.
More than 20,000 civil servants took part in a three-month trial using AI tools to help with drafting documents, summarising meetings and managing records.
Staff used the technology to cut through jargon, speed up consultations and help job seekers get support faster.
Research found using AI, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, saved people an average of 26 minutes per day, adding up to nearly two weeks a year for each civil servant.
This is equal to giving 1,130 people a full year back every year, freeing up time for higher value work and supporting public services.
At Companies House, staff used AI to handle customer queries and draft responses.
At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), work coaches used AI to personalise advice for job seekers.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “These findings show that AI isn’t just a future promise – it’s a present reality.
“Whether it’s helping draft documents, preparing lesson plans, or cutting down on routine admin, AI tools are saving civil servants time every day.
“That means we can focus more on delivering faster, more personalised support where it really counts.”
Kyle added: “As we deliver our Plan for Change, we’re backing innovation like this to boost productivity and growth – not just in the private sector, but in public services too.
“AI is changing the way the government operates, helping us work smarter, reduce red tape, and make better use of taxpayers’ money.”
Darren Hardman, chief executive at Microsoft UK, said: “AI is the most transformative technology of our time and we’re already seeing its potential to reshape public service delivery.
“Whether that’s DWP work coaches helping more jobseekers into work, local authorities improving social care for the most vulnerable in society or NHS clinicians with more time to see patients, the potential is profound.
“As a strategic technology partner to the UK government, we have an amazing opportunity to help improve both the quality of the services people receive and the way they access them. This could unlock new levels of growth, efficiency, and innovation for the country.”
Hardman added: “The government’s Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment shows what’s possible when people are empowered with the right tools: 26 mins per day (almost 2 weeks per year) less time on admin, more time delivering what matters. And the really exciting part is, this is just the beginning.”
