A recent assessment by Google, released on April 24, 2025, highlights significant gaps in AI adoption among UK workers, indicating that the country could potentially double its use of artificial intelligence.

This report is based on Google's AI Works pilot program, which involved 1,700 participants across various sectors, including educational trusts and small businesses, revealing valuable insights into AI usage and training effectiveness.

The pilot programs demonstrated that workers could save over 120 hours annually by utilizing AI for administrative tasks, showcasing the potential efficiency gains.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the government's commitment to equipping workers with necessary AI skills through initiatives like the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to address skill shortages.

The study identified a significant barrier to AI adoption as the lack of accredited training courses and guidance from employers, with many workers expressing a desire for 'permission to prompt' when using AI.

Before training initiatives, only 17% of women over 55 used AI weekly, but this figure surged to 56% after three months of focused training, highlighting the effectiveness of such programs.

The report also noted that women over 55 are four times less likely to use AI compared to men under 35, underscoring the need for targeted training and resources.

In response to these findings, Google is enhancing its Digital Garage program and launching an 'AI Prompting Essentials' webinar, alongside expanding partnerships with educational institutions and businesses.

Google is piloting initiatives with small firms in the UK to enhance AI adoption, utilizing behavioral science, and plans to extend these efforts to other countries, including Germany.

The report calls for a collective effort to ensure all businesses adopt AI, urging the public sector to lead in AI training and advocating for a lifelong learning culture supported by an accreditation system for short AI upskilling courses.

A survey revealed that 70% of workers use AI tools independently, with only 22% encouraged by their employers, a decrease from 28% six months prior, indicating a need for greater support from management.

Overall, the findings from the pilot scheme conducted across various sectors highlight the pressing need for improved training and resources to facilitate AI adoption among UK workers.