London is stepping up its response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with Mayor Sadiq Khan announcing the creation of a new AI and Jobs Taskforce aimed at understanding how the
technology will reshape the capital’s workforce.
Leading the initiative is technology entrepreneur Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, best known for co-founding lastminute.com and for her longstanding advocacy of digital inclusion and ethical innovation. Her appointment was confirmed by the Mayor at the Bloomberg CityLab summit in Madrid, a global gathering of city leaders focused on tackling shared urban challenges.
The taskforce will bring together voices from government, business, trade unions, education and the AI sector to assess how artificial intelligence is already transforming jobs across London. Its work will focus on identifying immediate risks and opportunities, as well as recommending practical steps to help workers adapt, strengthen skills and ensure fair access to employment.
Khan has emphasized a balanced approach to AI—recognizing both its transformative potential and its possible downsides. He has argued that London must actively shape how the technology is deployed, rather than allowing it to develop unchecked.
As part of this broader strategy, the Mayor also plans to introduce online AI training later this year, aimed at helping Londoners develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated economy.
The taskforce will not only examine long-term trends but also address current challenges, including which groups are being left behind and what immediate interventions could improve access to jobs and opportunities.
Baroness Lane-Fox brings decades of experience in the tech sector, including her role in developing GOV.UK and her work as the UK’s former digital champion. She has consistently advocated for inclusive access to technology, arguing that people should not only use digital tools but also have the skills to shape and build them.
Joining her on the taskforce is a diverse group of experts. Anna Thomas MBE, co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Work, will serve as Deputy Chair. Other members include organisational psychologist Professor John Amaechi, Faculty co-founder Angie Ma, City of London Corporation CFO Caroline Al-Beyerty, Ada Lovelace Institute director Gaia Marcus, Trades Union Congress policy lead Adam Cantwell-Corn, and UNISON regional secretary Sara Gorton.
Together, the group will help guide London’s response to one of the most significant technological shifts in modern times—ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely shared while mitigating its risks.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our economy and society. It presents real opportunities – from driving economic growth to improving public services – but also brings with it new challenges, including the potential impact on London’s labour market.
“My approach to AI is rooted in realism - being clear-eyed and pragmatic about the potential perils, while also being alert to – and enthusiastic about – the amazing possibilities.
“It’s why today, I am pleased to confirm that tech trailblazer Baroness Martha Lane-Fox will chair my new London AI, Jobs and Opportunity Taskforce.
“The Taskforce will recommend action to support Londoners to acquire the skills they’ll need for the future. It will also ensure we’re seizing the opportunities of AI to boost productivity, improve public services, and create new, high-quality jobs for our communities as part of my work to build a fairer, safer and more prosperous London for everyone.”
Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, said: “London has always thrived by combining creativity, openness and reinvention. AI is bringing incredible opportunities, but also real disruption. This taskforce will look at where work is changing now, where London should lean in with more ambition, and how we make sure the benefits are shared more widely rather than felt only by those already ahead.” Photo by Jernej Furman from Slovenia, Wikimedia commons.
