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.
Retailer Marks & Spencer has announced plans to recruit more than 1000 people to work at its new distribution centre in Castle Donington in Leicestershire. The centre is due to open in early 2013.
The company is paying particular attention to the employment of disabled applicants. It is working with Remploy to ensure two-week work trials are available to disabled people coupled with support programs. Applicants will then be assessed as to their suitability to join the workforce or whether further training and support was required.
Remploy has commented that the move is important given the very low level of employment amongst disabled people.
Eurofound (2012), Marks & Spencer, Business expansion in United Kingdom, factsheet number 74202, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/74202.