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.
Doncasters Group Ltd, a firm that produces parts for the aerospace and gas turbine industries, has announced that it is to create 125 new jobs in Blaenavon in South Wales. 340 are currently employed at the Blaenavon site, and the creation of the new jobs will also involve an investment of approximately 16 million GBP. The new workers will carry out activity that was previously sub-contracted out by the firm. Management at the firm also stated that they had considered locating the new work in Poland. Eric J Lewis, the chief executive of Doncasters, stated:
'We have facilities around the world but are particularly proud of our south Wales facility at Blaenavon, which has become the group's forging centre of excellence.'
The project is also being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government. Welsh Assembly Government Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones stated:
'The aerospace industry plays a vital role in the Welsh economy, with more than 180 companies employing over 25,000 people... This latest investment in the aerospace sector by this world-class company is a clear demonstration of the quality of the Welsh workforce and the reputation of Wales as a place to do high quality and highly skilled business.'
As of April 2008 there is no information as to when the new jobs will be created by.
Eurofound (2008), Doncasters Group Ltd, Business expansion in United Kingdom, factsheet number 66565, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/66565.