Generative AI is reshaping life and work across the UK, offering significant potential for economic growth and innovation. But without urgent action on digital skills, millions risk being left behind. Daljish Channa, Accenture’s corporate citizenship lead in the UK, highlights the need to address digital exclusion to ensure AI's benefits are shared across society.
The technology’s ability to simplify tasks, enhance creativity and aid problem-solving is already proving useful for individuals and businesses. Those with limited digital skills, for example, can now use AI to write job applications or manage personal finances—opening up opportunities that were once out of reach. Accenture estimates generative AI could add £736 billion to the UK’s GDP by 2038, provided it is deployed responsibly and paired with workforce reskilling.
Yet access remains deeply unequal. Workers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are far less likely to receive digital training or plan to acquire AI skills. The disparity is stark—these workers are nearly six times less likely to pursue AI skills than university graduates. Across the UK, 8.5 million adults still lack basic digital skills, highlighting a wider digital divide.
To tackle this, Accenture has launched the 'Regenerative AI' initiative, aiming to support over one million people in disadvantaged communities over the next three years. The programme combines access to devices and data with tailored AI literacy training, rooted in the lived experiences of local communities. The goal is not just access, but genuine confidence and competence in using AI.
The UK government is also acting, working with Accenture, Amazon and Microsoft to upskill 7.5 million workers by 2030. Through this partnership, high-quality training materials are freely available to support the country’s wider digital transformation.
Experts stress that effective training must be people-centred. It is not enough to provide tools—programmes must foster trust, relevance and mindset shifts. A recent report warns that unless delivery, skills and trust gaps are closed, the UK could miss out on £485 billion in potential economic value by 2038.
The stakes are high. The UK has a rare opportunity to nearly double its long-term economic growth rate through generative AI—outpacing its G7 peers. A £187 million 'tech first' programme and a growing portfolio of corporate initiatives suggest momentum is building, with a focus on extending reach beyond London and other tech hubs.
To unlock AI’s full potential, the UK must ensure no one is left behind. Collaboration between government, industry, education and communities is essential. By embedding responsible innovation and digital inclusion into AI strategy, the country can lead the way in building a more equitable, future-ready economy.
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