Dr Joe Atkinson, Lecturer in Employment Law, Law School, ÃÛÌÒTV.
Alistair Sackley, Specialist Policy Officer, Public Policy Southampton, ÃÛÌÒTV.Ìý
The rapid adoption of new digital surveillance and algorithmic management (AM) technologies are transforming the world of work and employment relations. These systems, which combine extensive monitoring with data analytics and automation, are now used by companies for hiring, task allocation, performance evaluation, and even termination decisions. While potentially offering efficiency gains, and the appearance of objectivity, these systems raise significant concerns for workers’ rights, autonomy, and securing a decent future of work.
This brief outlines the key challenges presented by the integration of digital surveillance and algorithmic management tools, and proposes actionable recommendations to safeguard workers’ rights in the era of algorithmic management. The UK currently lacks targeted regulation against the harms of these complex systems, and our existing patchwork of legal frameworks struggle to provide appropriate protection. Without taking the steps identified here, therefore, the UK risks failing to address the challenge of algorithmic management and ensure decent work for all in the age of AI.Ìý
