Discussing transformation at the Unite conference

We often hear about ‘transformation’ in the financial services sector. But what does that mean for skills and the future of work? What are firms trying to achieve? And what does that mean for employees?

These were questions that our Chief Executive Claire Tunley addressed when she spoke to finance colleagues at Unite the Union’s national conference in Brighton.

She discussed the findings of our research into artificial intelligence, explaining how jobs in the sector are being redesigned, but not eliminated. AI has the potential to take on more routine tasks. That makes distinctly human capabilities – such as judgement, critical thinking, communication and empathy – even more valuable, alongside growing demand for technical and digital skills.

Claire also talked about the Financial Services Skills Compact; a landmark agreement between government, the Financial Services Skills Commission, and firms in the sector, to work together to close skills gaps. More than 50 organisations are contributing to the Skills Compact, with Unite amongst the first to register their support.

We were grateful to Unite for inviting us to join their conference.