Automation may threaten 88,000 Scottish public sector jobs, says report Published duration 1 November 2016

media caption Machines have already replaced roles which were previously performed by people in some jobs in the public sector

One in every six jobs in Scotland's public sector could be lost within 14 years due to automation, according to a new study.

The annual "State of the State" report from business advisory firm Deloitte estimated that 88,000 jobs could go.

It said administrative and operative roles were at greatest risk.

The report also said technology could help deliver more efficient public services by making it easier for the workforce to do their jobs.

Angela Mitchell, partner and local public services lead at Deloitte, said: "The number of public sector jobs we've identified that may be lost to automation won't happen overnight - it'll be a gradual process.

"The most likely roles to be affected will be administrative and operative positions, which is in line with what we expect to see in other areas of the economy.

"The flipside will be that automation can complement other positions within the public sector - reducing the administrative burden and opening up the opportunity for more efficient services."

image copyright Thinkstock

She added: "We're already seeing this in hospitals, for example, where sensor technology is being used to monitor vital signs, freeing up nurses to spend time interacting with patients in greater need."

The body which represents the majority of Scottish councils, Cosla, said it was interested in Deloitte's report but that it would "wait and see" what impact automation and the development of technology would have on public sector jobs.

A spokesman said: "Whereas advances in technology will undoubtedly assist service design and management of scarce resources, much of what local authorities do is client or people centred where technology can assist but cannot replace the hands on nature of the work.

"Much has been made in the past that robots would create more leisure time for society in general but outside of the automotive industry, little of this has come to fruition.

"We are interested to note the views of a respected agency such as Deloitte but for now, let's wait and see."

Will a robot take your job?