London Mayor Warns AI Could Create "Mass Unemployment" Era

London mayor Sadiq Khan joined warnings about AI's job impact on Thursday, saying the UK capital risks "an era of mass unemployment" if the technology is not managed responsibly. In a speech outlining AI's opportunities and risks, Khan noted London is "at the sharpest edge of change" due to its high concentration of finance, professional services, and creative jobs. While warning of potential job destruction, Khan also pointed to "huge potential benefits" from responsible AI use. He announced a review into AI's impact on London's jobs market and free AI training for millions of Londoners. The debate continues globally on whether AI will destroy jobs or create new ones. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office stated AI "is going to reshape the world of work," adding that while some jobs will be more impacted, new roles and opportunities will emerge. The United Nations has warned that AI and automation could worsen labour market challenges, especially for educated young people in wealthier countries seeking their first high-skill jobs. Forecasts differ: McKinsey estimates 30% of US jobs could be automated by 2030, while Gartner analysts predict AI will create more jobs than it eliminates by 2027. For Nigerian professionals watching these global trends, the key question remains: Will AI disrupt local job markets faster than new opportunities emerge?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/15/london-risks-mass-unemployment-over-ai-boom-mayor-warns/