British and Indian workers lose hours to AI‑driven automation

A UK study of 500 frontline staff found that workers lose almost two days a week to repetitive tasks that artificial intelligence could already handle, with 39% of the average workweek spent on manual work across sectors such as construction, logistics, manufacturing and utilities. Despite average digital‑transformation spending of £13 million over five years, many employees rely on unofficial “shadow IT” solutions, and senior leaders underestimate the scale of the problem.

In India, factory and construction workers are being asked to wear head‑mounted cameras that record their movements for training robotic systems. The footage is sold to technology firms without direct consent or additional pay, and is also used for productivity monitoring. Workers fear the data could speed up robot deployment that replaces their jobs, raising concerns about privacy, compensation and future employment.

Both reports highlight a growing disconnect between the perceived benefits of AI and the on‑the‑ground realities for workers, underscoring the need for more transparent and inclusive automation strategies.