London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning that artificial intelligence could become a 'weapon of mass destruction of jobs' in the capital, while simultaneously announcing a major new initiative to equip Londoners with the skills to thrive.
New Taskforce to Tackle AI's Threat to London's Economy
In a keynote speech at Mansion House on Thursday, 15 January, Sir Sadiq Khan argued that urgent action is required to prevent immense damage to London's labour market from rapid AI advancement. He fears that without intervention, the city could drift into an era of mass unemployment and accelerated inequality.
The Mayor announced the creation of a 'London Taskforce on AI and The Future of Work'. This body will bring together expertise from across government, the business community, the skills sector, and the AI industry itself to formulate a strategic response.
Free AI Training for All Londoners
A central pillar of the project will see City Hall commission free AI training for every Londoner. This move is a direct response to City Hall polling from November, which found that more than half of London workers expect AI to impact their job within the next twelve months.
Khan stated: "We can hear the low rumbling of a new technological revolution, but we don’t yet know what course it will take. We need to wake up and make a choice: seize the potential of AI and use it as a superpower for positive transformation and creation, or surrender to it."
White-Collar Sectors Face Greatest Risk
The Mayor highlighted that the nature of this automation wave differs from the past. Unlike earlier shifts that primarily affected manual and factory work, the sharpest edge of AI-driven change will be felt in white-collar professions.
Finance, professional services, and the creative industries – some of London's biggest and most important sectors – rank among the most likely to be disrupted. Khan warned that without proactive measures, entry-level jobs could vanish first, depriving young people of a crucial first step on the career ladder.
While emphasising the risks, the Mayor also outlined the enormous potential benefits of responsible AI use, suggesting it could transform public services, boost productivity, and help tackle complex challenges from cancer care to the climate crisis.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over AI's societal impact, including recent controversies on social media platforms involving manipulated imagery.
