More than a quarter of workers with low or no skills are employed in roles which are likely to be replaced by robots, a new study has found.
Tory think-tank Onward warned the new Prime Minister will only be able to heal Britain’s Brexit divisions if they commit to retraining millions of workers at risk of automation.
The group’s ‘Human Capital’ report found at-risk workers are overwhelmingly located in areas of Britain that are already struggling, including Knowsley, Stoke-on-Trent and Merthyr Tydfil.
They are more likely to be women and from an ethnic minority.
And areas with high automation risk are far more likely to have voted Leave in the 2016 referendum than Remain.
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “Automation and technological innovation are having a transformative impact on our economy, our jobs and our daily lives.
“Britain has a bright future ahead if we choose to seize these opportunities - but we must make sure we take everyone with us and don't leave anyone behind. Everyone has a contribution of value to make and it is our task in Government to give everyone the support - and freedom - to succeed.”
Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt said: “Technological advances will bring huge opportunities but we must equip everyone in our country with the skills they need to benefit from them.
“Only by ensuring we leave no communities, regions or sectors behind will we deliver the economic renewal and higher growth on which our shared goals.”
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