THE
FUTURE
OF WORK
Few people would argue that society hasn't 'benefited Automation will no doubt influence society greatly as
enormously from technological advancements. However, it starts to control more and more aspects of our lives.
the future of many jobs may be hanging in the balance However, arguably, it won't change the total number of
due to the increased use of robotics in the workplace. jobs in the economy. Studies into the impact of automation
According to Osbourne and Frey from Oxford University, on employment focus only on which existing jobs could be
nearly 50% of jobs worldwide are at risk of being replaced. They do not address the subject of which new
automated over the next 20 years. Taxi drivers could be jobs might be created. While planes and boats may not
replaced by driverless cars. In some warehouses, robots have a crew on board, they will still need to be operated by
already move produce around more efficiently than someone remotely. As more and more of life moves online,
workers. Even the role of teachers could be dramatically we may find we need fewer traditional police officers
affected and more of the learning process moves
as more and that experts inpreventing online crime will become
online. There's also a greater risk of change in certain increasingly important. Jobs that we cannot even imagine
countries where there are a high number of people at the moment will become vital.
employed in manufacturing. For example, the World Bank While many of our jobs are no doubt under threat, it is
estimates that some countries risk up to 60% of jobs a dramatic exaggeration to present the idea that huge
possibly being replaced by robots and automation, simply numbers of people will find themselves unemployed
because technology is often able to produce more than because of automation. Humans will always be vital in the
human workers, with better accuracy and attention to workforce, just not necessarily in ways we are used to.
detail. Yet many economists argue that despite the risks Technology may even free up humans to work less and
of increased automation, there are still many opportunities allow them more free time to ²balance the pressures of
and benefits ahead.
work, family and other interests.
Although to many this may feel like a new problem,
inreality it is a challenge that has existed for years.
Since the invention of the printing press, machines have
continued to replace humans in the workplace. In fact,
people have always worried about technology taking
their jobs. During the Industrial Revolution in England,
the Luddites a group of clothes and textile makers-
-
protested against new technology in factories by
destroying machinery. They weren't against the technology.
but they didn't like the control and power it gave to
factory owners to make working conditions worse. In the
late 1950s, there were also widespread protests across the
USA in response to the influence of automation on the
shipping industry.
Although technological advances often challenge
society, overall levels of unemployment have never
risen consistently. Periods of increased unemployment
are usually temporary and associated with a recession.
We don't run out of work - work simply changes and new
jobs are created. People were once employed to open
doors on trains and take people's tickets. Farmers, factory
workers and lift operators have all lost their jobs due to
technological changes. People have simply moved on and Glossary
found new types of employment.
recession (n) period when trade and industryare not
C IDENTIFY EVIDENCE Read the article again. Underline
the evidence used to support the arguments below.
Use the information in the box to help you.
Identifying evidence
Good writers use evidence to support the argument or point
they're trying to make. This can include references to specific
studies, examples and statistics.
1 A large proportion of jobs are at risk from technological
developments.
2 Some countries may suffer more than others due to
automation.
3
Jobs have always been at risk from technological
developments.
4 Many old jobs now no longer exist.
5 New jobs will be created that do not currently exist.
