Generative artificial intelligence systems, such as ChatGPT, could lead to ‘significant disruption’ in the labour market and affect around 300 million full-time jobs globally, reports Business Insider, citing research from Goldman Sachs. Generative AI, a type of AI that is capable of generating text or other content in response to user prompts, has risen in popularity in recent months following the launch to the public of OpenAI's ChatGPT. Based on an analysis of data on occupational tasks in both the US and Europe, Goldman researchers extrapolated their findings and estimated that generative AI could expose 300 million full-time jobs around the world to automation if it lives up to its promised capabilities.

White-collar workers are some of the most likely to be affected by new AI tools. Goldman’s research highlighted US legal workers and administrative staff as particularly at risk from the new tech. Goldman's research also suggested that if generative AI is widely implemented, it could lead to significant labour cost savings and new job creation. The new technology could also boost global labour productivity, with Goldman estimating that AI could even eventually increase annual global GDP by 7%.