Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
The Animal Health Trust, the UK-based veterinary and research charity has announced that it will close permanently, making 257 employees redundant.
The decision to close has been reached because the charity had been unable to secure the funds it needs to continue working. The charity’s services have been suspended in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, exacerbating the organisation’s difficult financial situation. Employees are currently on temporary paid leave, under the UK government’s coronavirus job retention scheme.
The Animal Health Trust was established in 1942. It provides specialist veterinary services for cats, dogs and horses and raises funds for research activities, including holding DNA samples for every thoroughbred racehorse registered in the UK. The Queen was patron of the charity between 1959 and 2016.
Eurofound (2020), Animal Health Trust, Closure in United Kingdom, factsheet number 100248, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/100248.