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.
Courier company DHL is reported to have started a consultation with employees over proposed job losses and site closures. Sites at Aberdeen, Bellshill, Newcastle, Warrington, Wakefield, Coalville, Norwich, Andover, Bristol and Exeter are earmarked for closure with 520 jobs affected by the proposals. DHL argues that falling workloads have left the company with no choice other than to consider staffing levels. The GMB union condemned the company's strategy and suggested that the loss of customer confidence was directly attributable to managerial decisions. The final numbers and time frame for job losses will follow the conclusion of the consultation period.
Eurofound (2016), DHL, Internal restructuring in United Kingdom, factsheet number 89713, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/89713.