- Conference
- 2026 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 16 October 2025
- Decision
- Carried
Conference:
The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces, reshaping the workforce, changing the way services are delivered. This poses a threat to jobs where employers can use AI to replace employees rather than aid productivity.
Many of these jobs in admin, clerical and customer service will be filled by workers who are predominately women. This will affect their income and job security.
AI will increase wage inequality as those with AI skill and knowledge will advance with the new technology and those who have not had the opportunity to learn will be left behind.
As tech industries and AI development tend to be male dominated this will contribute to the gender pay gap and reinforce gender bias due to the under representation of women.
As AI is implemented the digital divide may widen between those that have access to technology and those that do not. Those workers without access to digital tools and/or training may struggle in the new AI work environments and face potential job losses. Those workers will be in the majority of cases women.
AI should serve equality, not deepen existing inequalities. Complement and enhance rather than replace human capabilities.
As new roles and responsibilities emerge when routine tasks are automated workers will need to be supported to adapt and learn new skills and not be replaced.
It is vital to ensure that women have equal access to the opportunities AI provides, as well as the skills necessary to navigate and shape its development.
Fair access is needed for all to AI-related education, skills, and career pathways, helping women overcome barriers related to gender, class, and access to technology.
We therefore call on the national women’s Committee:
1)To work with LAOS to develop courses that develop knowledge about the expansion of AI in the workplace to empower women with the skills to adapt to the changing workplace. This should include online courses, workshops, mentorship programs and potential partnerships with tech organisations.
2. To campaign to tackle gender bias in AI by supporting efforts to promote AI technologies that avoid reinforcing existing stereotypes or discriminatory practices.
3. Promote AI careers for women in by encouraging and supporting women to pursue careers in AI and technology fields by working with educational institutions, companies, and government bodies to create pathways, grants, and opportunities specifically targeted at women entering the AI sector.
4. To advocate for the ethical use of AI ensuring that the application of AI technologies within public services, such as local government, healthcare, education, and social care, is in alignment with Unison’s commitment to equality, fairness, and inclusivity.
