This evening, I was pleased to attend the London Government Dinner at Mansion House.
The dinner has taken place annually since 1962 and brings together civic and political leaders from across Greater London’s 32 boroughs, to celebrate the achievements and work together to tackle the challenges. It is co-hosted by the Lady Mayor of the City of London and the Chair of London Councils.
During his speech, the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced the new London Taskforce on AI and the Future of Work and that he was commissioning free AI skills training for all Londoners.
He explained that, “The impact of AI on London’s jobs market will be seismic. Some of our biggest sectors (e.g. creative, financial) rank among the most likely to be affected. And research suggests that 70% of skills in the average job will have changed by 2030. That’s four years away.
To future proof our workforce and our economy, we need to act. Last year, we launched the London Growth Plan, which sets out our vision to accelerate growth and includes £147 million in new skills funding for Londoners. But we can and will do more.
That’s why I’ll be launching a new London Taskforce on AI and the Future of Work to:
– Understand the impact AI will have on jobs here in London
– Identify the skills Londoners need to move into future roles
– Stay competitive in a global job market
Our new AI skills course will be available to any Londoner who’d like to learn AI skills, and it’ll be completely free – because everyone should be able to share in the benefits of this technology. It’s up to us to make sure AI delivers the brighter future we all want to see.
If we’re bold in our efforts now, we can shape this next technological revolution & ensure AI makes us richer, not poorer. Stronger, not weaker. And better prepared for tomorrow than ever before.
The City of London Corporation welcomed the proposals, given sectors such as financial services are facing significant transformation. We believe the taskforce will play a crucial role in future‑proofing London’s workforce and economy.
As the City of London Corporation owns, conserves or manages to many assets, services and charities across Greater London, the evening also poses as a great opportunity to discuss partnership working with those local authorities.
I was particularly pleased to discuss the progress the City has been making with projects in Epping Forest with Wanstead and Leyton MP Calvin Bailey and Redbridge Council Leader, Councillor Kam Rai. Wanstead Park and Flats form an important part of the Epping Forest charity’s operations and significant resources have been invested to protect heritage features, to improve the recreation value, to conserve rare flora and fauna and to address a wide range of social challenges, from visitor safety to rough sleeping, drug taking and sex workers. We have also been developing proposals to partner on land management, whether that’s through the village greens or verge management or cattle grazing in areas like Hainault Park.
The message I took away from the evening was abundantly clear: London works best when it works together!
