Women who work in the technology and the financial sector are at greater risk than men of being replaced by AI, as they often hold roles that are more vulnerable to automation (e.g. administrative, secretarial), says a new report by the City of London Corporation.
It is estimated that about 119,000 people (mainly women) will be laid off because of AI in the next decade in the UK. However, if companies invested in reskilling these employees instead of laying them off, they could save up to €878 million (in compensation). The report proposes that employers should place emphasis on potential and on skills that can be acquired, not only on past technical background.
It is worth noting that about 60,000 women in technology leave the sector every year due to lack of progression, lack of recognition and low pay.
Also, according to the same report, women’s applications for roles with administrative/digital skills—mainly those who are mid-career (5+ years’ experience)—seem to be overlooked by AI software used for candidate selection. Often, they do not take into account gaps in the CV due to caring for children or relatives and they assess their previous experience very strictly.
Source: Guardian
