of artificial intelligence (AI). The Unit for Future Skills (which has now moved into Skills England Analysis and Insight) previously released a report on the impact AI will have on workers in the UK (GOV.UK Impact of AI on UK jobs and training). The recently published Skills England report also set out the risks of AI (Skills England: driving growth and widening opportunities) particularly noting; “11% of tasks in the UK economy are exposed to existing generative AI and this figure could increase to 59% if companies integrate AI more deeply”. Both national and local plans have AI at the forefront of their thinking. AI is an area of focus both in terms of utilising the benefits of AI while ensuring workers are sufficiently upskilled or retrained in light of automation. Advances in AI have the potential to increase productivity and create new high value jobs in the UK economy and the new Industrial Strategy “will aim to secure investment into crucial sectors of the economy to drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth” (SE report, September 2024). The Industrial Strategy will also include a skills plan for each sector, and Digital has been included as an Industrial Strategy sector. This skills plan will set out how the sector will adapt to AI and ensure a fully equipped and trained workforce. This is currently being drafted and is expected to be published in Spring 2025. Local Skills Improvement Plans have also reviewed the impact of AI and are preparing for AI at the local level; “almost all LSIP areas covered AI and automation to some degree, recognising that it is an area they will continue to engage on with employers” (SE report, September 2024). The Government will also bring forward a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education to break down barriers to opportunity, support the development of a skilled workforce, and drive economic growth through our industrial strategy. Earlier this year [2024], DSIT commissioned Ipsos Mori to undertake an exploratory research project to assess how AI skills needs may change up to 2035, depending on how the technology develops. The outcomes of the report will help guide our future policymaking. Government response to Committee recommendations 57 – 59