The UK wants to stop AI outrunning British workers

HM Treasury will restore the Union Learning Fund in England with £15 million a year to help workers adapt to AI.

The Chancellor confirmed the funding on Monday (28 September) as part of a wider package to get more young people into work, education and training.

“This fund will help British workers harness AI rather than be outrun by it,” HM Treasury said.

Trade unions will use their existing workplace relationships to reach workers and help them access training through employers and current skills programmes.

Workers will not need to be union members to benefit from the fund.

Support on offer will range from essential English, maths and digital skills to training for jobs in growing industries such as advanced manufacturing.

The fund previously generated 180,000 learning opportunities every year before the Department for Education ended its funding in 2021.

The Treasury said savings from the Department for Work and Pensions will fully fund the scheme, with details due in the upcoming Budget.

130,000 jobs across AI, defence and clean energy

The government will also use the National Wealth Fund’s current capitalisation to create and support a further 130,000 jobs across the UK by 2030.

The National Wealth Fund will back jobs in sectors including AI and technology, defence and clean energy.

The package includes £100 million over two years to expand local apprenticeship services to all 14 Mayoral Strategic Authorities from spring 2027.

Rolls-Royce will separately invest £300 million in its UK sites, including £19 million to double turbine blade output at its Rotherham facility by 2030.

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