AI RESUME
Ministers in the UK are developing AI tools to help job seekers write CVs and cover letters.
The goal is to free up Jobcentre staff so they can focus on more complex cases and help reduce the UK’s welfare costs.
Officials aim to present their plans within a year and are still deciding whether to build the tools in-house or hire private companies.
This effort is part of the government’s wider strategy to boost employment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has set a goal of reaching an 80% employment rate, up from the current 75%.
This would mean helping not just unemployed jobseekers but also those receiving health-related benefits who aren’t currently required to find work.
Why it matters:
The UK spends around £65 billion a year on incapacity and disability benefits, more than on defence.
Jobcentres, responsible for managing benefit claims, are stretched thin, with 16,500 work coaches handling over 100 claimants each.
AI tools could help jobseekers improve their CVs, spot skill gaps, and practise for interviews.
Human touch vs. machine polish
There’s a catch, though: encouraging people to submit AI-generated cover letters would go against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidelines, which stress the need for personal, non-generic applications.
Recruiters have also noticed that AI use has led to a rise in low-quality applications, making it harder for employers to find strong candidates.
The government has made it clear that AI won’t replace work coaches but will be used to enhance the services offered by job centres.
Imagine an AI writing ‘I’m passionate about teamwork’ for 1,000 people at once.