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.
Kent County Council (KCC) is aiming to cut 8% of jobs by 2008 according to a letter leaked to the BBC. The letter to all Conservative councillors from council leader Paul Carter also sets a target of a 6% reduction in the staffing budget. It states: 'Fewer, but smarter, better paid staff must be the way ahead.' The job cuts would all be managed through natural wastage. Earlier this month, KCC said its 2% increase in grant compared with a national average of 3% was a 'very hard' settlement. The council said it had already lost one in four back office jobs and was facing 'unique' challenges.
Eurofound (2005), Kent County Council, Internal restructuring in United Kingdom, factsheet number 62657, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/62657.