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.
Nearly 150 jobs are at risk as a major employer in Bedfordshire plans to move part of its production to Poland. Huntleigh Healthcare, which employs more than 750 people at its Luton offices, said the move was part of a cost-control programme. The company, which makes medical compression equipment, will hold talks with staff about the proposed 145 job losses at the site in Dallow Road. It said job losses would occur gradually over the next eight months. Manager Ian Jones said: 'Managing our direct cost base is central to maintaining profitability, thereby sustaining business growth. Unfortunately, and as with many other UK manufacturing companies, we have been forced to review our cost structure which has in turn led to this regrettable proposal.' The company said it would help the workforce find new jobs by setting up an in-house employment exchange. Graeme Maddison, the group human resources director said: 'We are very mindful of the human consequences of our proposals and we will do everything we can to mitigate the effects of any job losses through dialogue and consultation.'
Eurofound (2007), Huntleigh Healthcare, Offshoring/Delocalisation in United Kingdom, factsheet number 65337, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/65337.