‘Rise of robots’ to hit Scots jobs

Leaders in Scotland need to act now to help people enjoy the benefits of automation and globalisation, factors expected to jeopardise nearly 230,000 jobs north of the Border by 2030, according to a report published today .

Think tank Centre for Cities found that a fifth of existing jobs in British cities – amounting to 3.6 million – are likely to be displaced in the next 12 years as a consequence of automation and globalisation. In Scotland, the figure is more than a fifth, equating to about 230,000 jobs that comprises 112,700 in Glasgow, 60,800 in Edinburgh, 35,900 in Aberdeen, and 20,000 in Dundee.

Dundee ranked eighth out of British cities most at risk of losing jobs, but Edinburgh and Aberdeen were among those least at risk, expected to be well-placed to adapt to the changes ahead.

In both cities, more than a third of the jobs predicted to grow are in high-skilled private sector occupations. Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said: “Automation and globalisation will bring huge opportunities to increase prosperity and jobs, but there is also a real risk that many people in Scottish cities will lose out.”

Highlighting education as a key priority, he added: “The time to act is now – national and local leaders need to ensure that people in cities across Scotland can share in the benefits these changes could offer.”