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.
Online retailer Amazon has announced plans to create 400 new jobs when it opens its new 'fulfilment centre' in Rugby. The decision follows continued increases in demand and comes after the company added around 5,000 jobs during 2017. There is no precise information as to when the centre is expected to open, though it is being reported that recruitment has started for managerial and support roles, with factory floor recruitment expected to follow closely behind.
The news of the forthcoming jobs has been welcomed by the local Conservative Member of Parliament, Mark Pawsey. However, the reaction to the announcement has not been universally supportive. Labour politicians have drawn attention to Amazon's tax arrangements and alleged poor working practices.
Eurofound (2018), Amazon, Business expansion in United Kingdom, factsheet number 93375, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/93375.