Community Union is bringing AI’s benefits to the nation’s workers
Editor’s Note: Google is working with UK trade union Community Union to show how AI skills can benefit both office-based workers, as well as people in more operational roles. This first-of-its-kind programme is one in a series of pilots specially designed to get the UK working with AI. Google is partnering with Multi Academy Trusts, SMBs and a Community Union to uncover the most effective ways to unlock a productivity boost worth over £400bn across the UK by 2030. We spoke with Paul Thomas, Community Union rep for the Logistics Sector, and Roy Rickhuss CBE, Community Union’s General Secretary, about the program and how AI can make a difference for workers across the UK. Here’s what they said.
Paul Thomas
AI has helped me to better connect with our members
Hear from Paul Thomas, Community Union rep for the Logistics Sector
I became a union rep because I love working with people and I wanted to support my colleagues and other workers facing difficulties at work. It’s rewarding to hear about the challenges faced by our members, to offer support and work on solutions together, and to see the positive difference we can make for our members and colleagues.
In fact, my role is so relationship-focussed that when I was given the opportunity to take part in Google’s AI Works upskilling programme, I was initially sceptical about how relevant it would be to me and the members I represent. But, despite my reservations, the AI skills I’ve gone on to gain have been a complete game changer.
For example, AI tools like Gemini in Workspace help do the heavy lifting of writing up notes during meetings. This gives me more time to focus on the conversation, be more present in my role and during meetings, and ultimately be better at supporting our members.
This pilot has shown me that AI is a tool we can't afford to ignore — and I'm excited to share these skills and tips with our members, to help them embrace the opportunities that AI can bring.
Roy Rickhuss CBE
AI can boost employability for union members
Hear from Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary, Community Union.
Community believes strongly in the potential for AI to make jobs more efficient, more flexible, and more rewarding for workers across the country.
We know, from a recent report by Public First, that with the right skills, the average worker can save a day each week. At a national level, this AI-powered productivity boost created by trade union members alone could be worth up to £89bn by 2030.
That's why we're excited to be partnering with Google on this AI Works pilot to uncover the most effective ways to support our members with the AI skills that they will increasingly need. We want to support the 40,000 members we have across the UK to be at the forefront
of this transformative change - equipping them with skills that will boost their employability, make their work more rewarding, and ensure AI works for them. This partnership is about ensuring that the future of work is one where technology empowers workers, not replaces them. It’s about gaining crucial insight into how best we can upskill and support workers to harness the potential of AI, creating opportunities for growth and unlocking shared economic prosperity for everyone. This is just the beginning, and we're excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on our members and the wider economy.
