AI could lead to "cliff-edge" scenario of mass unemployment, PWC warns (E&T Magazine)

AI could lead to "cliff-edge" scenario of mass unemployment, PWC warns The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by businesses to replace workers could lead to a "cliff-edge" scenario where huge swathes of the working population suddenly lose their jobs as the technology reaches financial viability, the accounting firm PWC has warned. The professional services firm said AI had the power to overhaul business models and could leave workers sidelined and companies struggling to adjust unless preparations are made now. It said firms and the state must double down on their efforts to improve the education system and help workers retrain to ensure AI delivers the much-heralded boost to the UK economy. Jon Andrews, PwC's head of technology and investments, said: "There are different sectors that will be impacted in different ways. "The vast majority [of workers] will not see the change happening to them and they will have a very different job by 2030.