A new study from YouGov found that approximately six million workers across the UK fear robots will take over their jobs.

The findings showed that 23% of employees polled in the survey of 1,095 workers, equal to approximately six million people, are worried their current post may no longer be needed. Furthermore, 37% of employees who were polled believe the impact of automation over the next decade means their job will change for the worse.

In contrast, 73% were confident they will be able to update their skills if new technology affects their job and 53% were optimistic about their future working life.

The study’s findings, published in the Mirror, aims to identify steps the Government, employers and unions need to take to support workers amid the rise of robots over the next ten years.

Chairwoman and senior Labour MP Yvette Cooper, commented, “The digital revolution means technology and jobs are changing faster than ever. While it found that most people are optimistic that they will be able to change and update their skills, they also say they are not getting any help or support to train or adapt from the Government, their employer or a trade union.”

“It is vital that action is taken now to ensure changing technology doesn’t widen inequality and to make sure all workers feel the benefits,” Cooper said.

“Automation cannot simply be opposed, rather it should be made to work in the interests of working people,” Community union general secretary Roy Rickhuss said.

Rupal Karia, Head of Commercial Sector at Fujitsu UK & Ireland, also commented, “Instead of looking at how technologies can reduce jobs, we should be looking at how they make way for employees to spend more times focusing on their ‘customer’, ‘client’ or ‘patients’. A digital-first nation has meant that a huge amount of jobs are being – and will be created – in lieu of those that are at risk of disappearing.”

“If our nation is to remain competitive, it is vital that new jobs are created which will help make a better society. Emerging technologies such as AI and driverless cars are completely transforming Britain. But for these changes to remain positive, there is an urgent need for technology companies to take responsibility and ensure innovation is helping all people from all corners of the UK,” Karia said.

“If we are to ensure the UK lives up to its digital potential, it is not just the responsibility of the government to educate the public and help them on this journey; the tech sector and UK companies should join forces with the government to ensure the UK remains a global leader in an increasingly digital world,” Karia said.