The UK government is set to accelerate its digital transformation under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, aiming to replace civil servants with AI where possible to enhance efficiency. This move, which unions have criticized as a potential threat to jobs, is part of a broader strategy to reshape the public sector and cut government spending by billions.
AI to Replace Officials Where Feasible
Under the new directive, government officials will follow a guiding principle: “No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker, and to the same high quality and standard.” The prime minister will outline these plans in a speech, highlighting that greater use of digital tools could save over £45 billion even before fully implementing AI.
To support this transformation, the government plans to recruit 2,000 new tech apprentices into the civil service, ensuring that departments have the digital expertise needed for the shift. AI continues to transform the work culture of countries in Europe and beyond.
Unions Warn Against Blaming Civil Servants
While digital modernization is widely supported, unions have raised concerns about its implementation. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, representing senior civil servants, expressed skepticism. He argued that while investing in digital transformation is beneficial, the government must clarify how it will deliver more with fewer resources.
“Mantras that look like they’ve been written by ChatGPT are fine for setting out a mission, but spending rounds are about reality,” Penman stated, warning that the government must avoid using AI as an excuse to shift blame onto civil servants.
Concerns Over Job Security and Morale
Labour’s push for AI-driven efficiency has unsettled some trade unions, particularly given past criticisms of civil service productivity. Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect union, emphasized that reform should be a collaborative process.
“Civil servants are not hostile to reforms, but these must be undertaken in partnership with staff and unions. The government should avoid inflammatory rhetoric and ensure that AI enhances rather than undermines the civil service,” Clancy said.
He also pointed out a significant challenge: competing for top digital talent under the current government pay structure. Prospect is advocating for pay flexibility to attract and retain data and AI specialists.
Reducing Regulation and Government Spending
In addition to AI adoption, Starmer plans to cut unnecessary regulations and reduce the number of quangos—quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations. His government aims to cut the cost of regulation by 25%, streamlining bureaucratic processes that slow down service delivery.
Starmer has diagnosed the UK’s public sector problem as “bigger, but weaker”, arguing that it has expanded without delivering on its core mission. His upcoming speech will stress the urgency of reform, stating:
“Every pound spent, every regulation, every decision must deliver for working people. If we push forward with the digitization of government services, there are up to £45bn worth of savings and productivity benefits ready to be realized.”
Comparisons to Trump’s Government Cuts
The UK’s shift toward AI-driven governance comes as former US President Donald Trump implements a radical downsizing of federal workers under a newly established Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). This initiative, reportedly influenced by billionaire Elon Musk, aims to drastically reduce public sector employment.
Labour insiders insist their approach is far more measured. Reports indicate that Starmer’s government is considering cutting more than 10,000 civil servant roles, significantly downsizing the state’s workforce. Pat McFadden, Cabinet Office minister, has hinted at stricter performance management measures to identify underperforming officials and a stronger emphasis on performance-related pay.
Project ‘Chainsaw’ and Government Reshaping
According to The Guardian, Labour is exploring extensive government restructuring plans under the name “Project Chainsaw”—a reference to Musk’s viral stunt, where he wielded a chainsaw to symbolize dramatic government cuts. However, No. 10 has firmly rejected the characterization that their reforms are about slashing the state.
“There’s no approach here where we’re taking a chainsaw to the system,” a government spokesperson clarified.
As the government moves forward with its AI-powered overhaul, tensions between modernization and job security remain high. The effectiveness of this transition will depend on how well it balances technological efficiency with fair employment policies in the public sector.
