AI should take over government tasks where it can match or exceed human performance, according to new guidelines that have led unions to caution Keir Starmer against blaming issues on civil servants. This initiative is part of the prime minister’s strategy to reshape government operations, which he will detail on Thursday, emphasizing a digital transformation that could save billions. Officials will be instructed that “No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker, and to the same standard. ” Starmer anticipates that embracing digital tools could yield over £45 billion in savings, before incorporating AI, supported by the recruitment of 2, 000 tech apprentices into the civil service. However, as significant budget cuts loom in the upcoming spending review, Dave Penman, head of the FDA union for senior civil servants, remarked that while broad goals are commendable, specific strategies to achieve these objectives are necessary. He noted a need for clarity on delivering more with diminished resources and voiced concern about the negative portrayal of civil servants historically pushed by the Tories. Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union, emphasized the importance of involving staff in any reforms, cautioning against divisive rhetoric. While advocating for improved technology use in public services, he warned that the current pay structure may hinder the government's ability to attract the necessary expertise and called for better utilization of existing talent within the civil service. Starmer is also expected to announce intentions to reduce regulations and eliminate certain agencies, aiming for a 25% reduction in regulatory costs.

He will describe the current state of the UK as having become “bigger but weaker, ” expressing urgency for transformation that truly benefits working people and unlocks potential savings and productivity through digitization. While drawing parallels to Donald Trump's approach in the US, Starmer's government reportedly seeks to cut the civil service by more than 10, 000 positions, with potential changes to performance management and pay incentives aimed at improving results. Discussions are underway regarding a project dubbed “project chainsaw, ” linked to significant restructuring efforts reminiscent of Trump’s controversial cuts. However, Starmer's spokesperson denied that the government intends to approach reform with drastic measures, asserting a balanced strategy rather than extreme cuts.