Teaching unions gear up for fight with Number 10 over AI job-loss fears

AI and Education: A Growing Tension Between Unions and the Government

A significant disagreement is emerging between teaching unions and the UK government over the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education jobs. The National Education Union (NEU), the largest teaching union in the UK, has expressed concerns that AI teaching tools could lead to job losses, particularly among lower-paid teaching assistants. The union fears that tasks currently performed by these staff could be automated, threatening their roles.

AI Funding and the Government’s Vision

The tension began in January when the government announced £1 million in funding for 16 tech companies to develop AI tools aimed at improving education standards. These tools are intended to assist with tasks such as providing feedback and marking, which are currently handled by teachers and teaching assistants. While the government sees this as a step towards modernizing education, the NEU argues that there has been insufficient consultation with the sector. Daniel Kebede, the NEU’s general secretary, emphasized that while AI could reduce workload and bureaucracy, education is inherently a relational and social experience that cannot be fully replicated by technology. He criticized the government for "running away with itself" and failing to engage meaningfully with educators.

Concerns About De-Professionalization

Kebede also drew parallels with Elon Musk’s approach to education, which he described as aiming to eliminate the need for teachers and teaching assistants. Musk has suggested "gamifying" education, a concept that the NEU strongly opposes. Kebede stressed that while AI could be a useful tool to free up educators’ time, the union would resist any moves that de-professionalize or replace teaching staff. The NEU believes that the personal connection between students, especially those with special needs, and teaching assistants cannot be replicated by AI. Rob Poole, a teacher and NEU member, echoed these sentiments, stating that AI lacks the personal understanding needed to support pupils effectively.

Government’s Rebuttal and the Broader Context

The Department for Education (DfE) has refuted the NEU’s claims, arguing that it has engaged extensively with the education sector on AI. A spokesperson stated that the government is committed to using AI to modernize education, support teachers, and deliver better outcomes for children. However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson faces a challenging balancing act. She must navigate the unions’ concerns while pursuing the government’s agenda to leverage AI for efficiency and cost savings. This comes against a backdrop of broader government efforts to reform the public sector, with plans to streamline services and reduce bureaucracy.

Internal Politics and Challenges

Phillipson is also facing internal political challenges. She has been subject to hostile briefings suggesting her policies are driven by a desire to build relationships with unions, potentially with an eye on a future leadership bid. The NEU has additionally criticized her decision to scrap one-word Ofsted grades in favor of a color-coded system and has threatened strike action over a 2.8% pay rise offer. Allies of Phillipson have dismissed the briefings as baseless and misogynistic, claiming they are part of a broader effort to undermine the prime minister.

The Future of AI in Education

The debate over AI in education reflects a larger government ambition to tackle what former Education Secretary Michael Gove termed the "blob"—a resistance to change within unions, local authorities, and the civil service. Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted AI as a "golden opportunity" to reform an overstretched and unfocused state, with potential savings of up to £45 billion. However, unions remain cautious, fearing job losses and the erosion of professionalism. As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms, the need for careful consultation and collaboration between the government, educators, and unions will be crucial to ensuring that technology enhances rather than undermines education.