UK telco BT Group to cut 55,000 jobs, AI to replace human workforce

More layoffs in the telecom Sector. AI (Artificial Intelligence) to fill part of the void left by up to 10,000 eliminated roles. As jobs that were formerly performed by human workers are now automated.

BT Group, a British telecom buisness, announced on May 19 that it intends to eliminate up to 55,000 jobs by the end of this decade as a part of a restructuring effort to save expenses and reduce its personnel.

According to BT's most recent financial report, the company will have betwen 75,000 and 90,000 fewer people by 2030 than it does today, which includes both staff and contractors.

Only a few days ago, Vodafone, a wireless carrier in the UK that serves both Europe and Africa, announced that it would be letting go off 11,000 employees as a part of significant reorganisation,

In light of slowing economic growth and rising inflation, various tech and telecom companies have been laying off employees.

“By the end of the 2020s, BT Group will rely on a much smaller workforce and a significantly reduced cost base,” CEO Philip Jansen said.

When its fibre-optic internet and 5G mobile networks are completely deployed, BT, a former state monopoly formerly known as British Telecom, claims that it won't require as many personnel to create and maintain them.

On the company's results call, Jansen said he anticipates AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be able to fill part of the void left by up to 10,000 eliminated roles. As jobs that were formerly performed by human workers are now automated, the emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT and others over the past few months are anticipated to have a significant impact on many commercial sectors.

Jansen added, " For a company like BT, there is a huge opportunity to use AI to be more efficient." He continued by saying that BT will greatly benefit from AI, as there is a 10,000 decrease in employee numbers from that type of automated digitization. In his view, generative AI is a big step ahead.

BT is the most recent business to say it will use AI as a part of company process to reduce workforce. In a statement made earlier this month, IBM announced that it was halting hiring for 7,800 back office positions that it deemed susceptible to automation by AI.

The impact of AI on job markets is a topic of debate among experts. While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and processes, leading to job displacement in some areas, it also has the capacity to create new job opportunities and enhance productivity in various sectors.

AI technology can automate repetitive, mundane, and routine tasks, which may lead to job cuts in those specific areas. For example, some manufacturing jobs have been replaced by robots and automated systems. Similarly, certain administrative and customer service roles can be streamlined or replaced by AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants.

However, as AI technology advances, it requires skilled professionals to develop, maintain, and improve AI systems. This includes data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI ethicists, and other related roles. it is crucial for individuals to adapt and acquire new skills that are complementary to AI technologies. constant learning, upskilling, and reskilling can help individuals remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

The extent of its impact on employment will depend on various factors, including the rate of AI adoption, industry-specific considerations, and societal responses to these advancements.