Taxing robots will simply take a toll on jobs

sir – Jeremy Corbyn’s proposed tax on robots (report, September 27) would not only hinder manufacturers and software engineering companies, but the creation of thousands of jobs.

While robots may replace some humans, the demand for new technology skills will open up opportunities for many more jobs.

Simon Lever

Winchester, Hampshire

sir – In the London Docks in the Sixties, it took 50 men three or four days to discharge 2,000 tons of cargo.

Today, a skilled container operator can lift a similar tonnage in one shift. The UK still has near-full employment.

John D Guthrie

Winchester, Hampshire

sir – Jeremy Corbyn keeps failing to see the bigger picture: a tax on

automated and mechanised labour would have a profound effect on the cost of goods in this country.

By using robots, companies such as Amazon can reduce costs and offer lower prices to the consumer.

By taxing this form of labour, Mr Corbyn will be condemning the British public to higher prices, while punishing innovation and technology.

Matt Hill

Reading, Berkshire

sir – It is all very well poking fun at Jeremy Corbyn, but if technological advances do reduce the number of jobs available, what are we to do about the people affected? If they need support, should it be provided by the organisations reaping the benefits of automation, or the nation as a whole?

J D Newman

Hinckley, Leicestershire