AI and Jobs Taskforce
AI is already beginning to reshape work across London. The Mayor has been clear that the capital needs to be at the forefront of harnessing the potential of AI to ensure it benefits society, rather than letting it work against us.
The Taskforce has been established to build a clear, evidence-based picture of how AI is changing work in London so that the Mayor can act on clear evidence and in genuine partnership. London has navigated technological change before. The ambition here is to ensure this transition strengthens, rather than undermines, the promise that hard work leads to opportunity.
IFOW's role as an independent research organisation is to undertake analysis and engagement aligned with the AI and Jobs programme. Its role is to contribute evidence and structured insight that informs GLA-led work and supports Taskforce deliberation.
What the Taskforce will do
Operating in an advisory capacity, the Taskforce applies independent expertise and judgement to provide recommendations to the Mayor. It brings together experience from business, trade unions and the AI industry. We are delighted that our Founding Director, Anna Thomas MBE, will serve as the Taskforce's Deputy Chair.
Its work will include:
- examining how AI is already beginning to reshape work in London
- identifying the most significant near‑term risks and opportunities for Londoners and employers
- considering how work is changing now, who is being left behind, and what immediate interventions would make a difference
- advising on practical actions to strengthen skills, protect pathways into work and support broad‑based growth.
It will recommend action to support Londoners to acquire the skills they will need for the future and advise on how London can seize the opportunities of AI to boost productivity and create new, high-quality jobs.
Chair of the Taskforce - Baroness Martha Lane‑Fox
The Taskforce is chaired by Baroness Martha Lane‑Fox, a pioneering technology entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of technological change for more than two decades.
Baroness Lane‑Fox is best known for co‑founding lastminute.com in 1998. She is a former UK Digital Champion and helped create GOV.UK. She is also a champion of ethical and inclusive approaches to AI, highlighting how AI can expand digital capability and arguing that access must include the skills to build and adapt emerging technologies.
She is a long‑standing advocate for diversity in tech and has consistently called for under‑represented groups to help shape future AI policy and development.
Taskforce members
The Mayor has also confirmed the following members of the London AI and Jobs Taskforce:
Anna Thomas MBE (Deputy Chair) – Co‑founder of the Institute for the Future of Work, which works to ensure AI and technological change improve work for everyone.
Professor John Amaechi OBE – Organisational psychologist, founder of APS Intelligence Ltd and Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, advising organisations on workforce capability and adaptation to change.
Angie Ma – London‑based entrepreneur and physicist who co‑founded Faculty AI, a prominent European AI company.
Adam Cantwell‑Corn – Tech policy lead at the Trade Union Congress, working to ensure AI and new technologies benefit workers and society.
Sara Gorton – Regional Secretary of UNISON, leading the union's work to defend and improve jobs, pay and services in London.
Caroline Al‑Bayerty – Chamberlain and Chief Financial Officer of the City of London Corporation, overseeing financial management and digital and technology services.
Gaia Marcus – Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, which works to ensure the benefits of data and AI are justly and equally distributed and enhance individual and social wellbeing.
What happens next
We will publish updates as the Taskforce's work progresses.
