Key points
- AI reduces paperwork and saves staff time
- Unison supports AI for workload, not job cuts
- AI systems transcribe and summarise large meetings automatically
ISLAMABAD: Artificial intelligence programmes being tested at Stockton Council in the United Kingdom are “fundamentally changing” the way staff perform their duties. AI continues to deliver significant advancements in the workplace, reshaping how individuals engage with one another in professional environments.
The local authority is among 25 councils testing AI systems that transcribe and summarise meetings, according to the BBC.
Council representatives stated that the pilot scheme has already significantly reduced paperwork and saved valuable staff time.
The public sector union Unison encouraged local authorities to adopt AI to assist employees and reduce working hours, but stressed it should not be used as a means to cut jobs.
The two systems being trialled in Stockton—Minute and Magic Notes—can record, transcribe, and summarise meetings involving up to 40 participants.
Templates for documents
Templates for documents such as action plans and internal reports can also be generated automatically.
Labour’s Paul Rowling, the council’s deputy leader, commented: “Speaking with staff, it is fundamentally changing their day-to-day roles.
“They are able to spend far less time on administrative tasks and considerably more time delivering the public services to which they are committed.”
Corinne Moore, the council’s digital and website development manager, highlighted the reduction in staff workload.
“For example, in public protection, some meetings previously required significant transcription time.
“Recording the meetings has cut transcription time from three hours to just half an hour.”
Upskilling staff
Kate Jones, Unison’s AI policy lead, said many local authority workers were benefiting from AI systems, but acknowledged concerns over potential job losses.
“If AI is introduced, it must be used to benefit public services and enhance workers’ lives,” she stated.
“There are certainly workers worried about job security.
“It is crucial that any implementation of transformative technology is accompanied by a serious strategy for reskilling and redeployment.”
Rowling reassured that the council had no plans to reduce staff numbers.
“We view this as an opportunity to upskill our workforce and enhance their abilities to prepare them for the future,” he said.
“This is not intended as a cost-cutting or job-cutting measure.”
