What we fund – Institute for the Future of Work

The challenge

AI and surveillance technologies are becoming a bigger part of the workplace. But regulation is lacking. People on low incomes, especially those in low-paid or insecure jobs, are often left out of decisions about how AI and automation are used, even though they are the most affected. This can lead to significant challenges for workers – including unfair labour practices and a lack of transparency in decisions affecting their lives.

The project

We fund the Institute for the Future of Work to influence policy to ensure more workers in London have a voice on the issues that affect them around technology and AI.

IFOW does this by acting as a ‘bridge’ between frontline groups and the legislative and regulatory ecosystem, and empowering frontline groups to better engage with how AI is changing work.

This includes:

1. Working with workers at the frontline of change, to platform their voices in ways which change the national debate – including by engaging with policymakers
2. Developing practical guidance that helps workers and community representatives harness their current rights and protections.
3. Involving workers in action research with firms, evaluating new participatory methods of impact assessment which centre their experiences and help raise awareness of their rights and entitlements.
4. Building partnerships which can promote awareness of their corporate obligations, and the benefits of worker voice.