Employees shut out of decisions on workplace technology, report finds

These changes affect enjoyment of work, says Labour MP Yvette Cooper

While a large majority of workers' jobs have been changed by technology, most employees have no say in the process (AFP)

Workers are being “shut out” of decisions about new technology in their workplaces – meaning inequalities could widen, a study suggests.

Three out of five employees surveyed said their company did not give them an opportunity to influence how new technology is used – even though most are affected by it.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who chaired the commission that wrote the report, will tell a conference in Liverpool on Wednesday: “As technology changes our workplaces, it is workers who should be in the driving seat, but our research shows that workers are too often being shut out of decisions that affect both their working conditions and their enjoyment of work.”

She continued: “New technology offers the opportunity for a brighter future for workers. It can free us from demanding physical tasks, take over repetitive admin duties and allow us to spend more time on the most meaningful parts of our jobs.”

But she warned that such changes could widen existing inequalities – the report cited studies showing that people without a degree do almost all the jobs at high risk of automation.

Ms Cooper called on business leaders, trade unions and politicians to ensure that employee’s voices were heard.

The study was carried out by the Commission on Workers and Technology – a joint initiative between the Community trade union and the Fabian Society think tank.

Many of the 1,200 workers surveyed were positive about change in technology. But there was evidence of bad practice and signs that this could get worse, the report said.

For example, technologies were found to have put pressure on pay and conditions, increasing the ability of employers to engage in “punitive monitoring” of workers.

PA