Artificial intelligence is poised to enable a widespread four-day work week within the next ten years, according to Darren Jones, a former chief secretary to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and now a backbench MP. Jones suggested that this shift would allow workers more time for personal pursuits, such as spending time with family or engaging in hobbies.
Speaking at an event hosted by the New Statesman during the Labour Party conference, Jones described the potential for reduced working hours due to AI as a "really positive thing." He stated it is "inevitable" that the technology will lead to people doing "less work," a sentiment that contrasts with some industry warnings about AI's potential dangers.
"I think you could see a four-day week within the next decade for most workers," Jones said. "I think that would be a really positive thing, actually. If people then have a Friday, Saturday, Sunday off, or a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or a Wednesday, or whatever, I think that sounds really good.
"More time with your kids, more time to do the washing, in the garden, whatever you do with your time. So long as you're able to maintain a salary that enables you to cover the cost of living. That's the key thing."
Jones's optimistic outlook comes amid warnings from some AI safety researchers, including those who have worked with major AI firms, who have expressed concerns that advanced AI could pose existential risks. One researcher recently quit his position to caution the public against underestimating the power of superintelligent AI.