Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether there are skills gaps in the artificial intelligence workforce; and what steps they are taking to increase AI-related skills across the UK workforce.

Reducing the AI skills gap is critical for increasing the UK’s productivity and delivering long-term growth. DSIT regularly reviews the status of the UK’s AI labour market and has commissioned a survey of the labour market, which will be published later this year. We are also working with DfE and Skills England to assess the AI skills gap and map pathways to fill it and recently announced a joint commitment with industry to upskill 7.5 million workers with vital AI skills.

As set out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan and reaffirmed at the Spending Review, we have also confirmed that we will be expanding AI education in universities, launching Pioneer Fellowships for cross-disciplinary upskilling, and introducing the Sparck AI Scholarships to attract and nurture top talent in UK institutions.