Technology’s impact on the future of work to be examined

The Government has asked the Productivity Commission to examine and report on Technological change, disruption and the future of work. Minister Robertson announced the Commission’s new topic at the Work in Progress Conference today.

The Commission will consider the potential impacts of rapid technological change and its impact on the future of work and the workforce in New Zealand. It will help inform future government policy so that the opportunities presented by disruptive technologies for economic productivity and social prosperity can be realised, and the risks managed.

“The Commission’s recent report with the Australian Productivity Commission highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital economy. In this new mandate the Commission will provide recommendations that will help manage the likely impacts of wider technological disruption and change on the future of work, the workforce, labour markets, productivity and wellbeing” says Director, Judy Kavanagh. “We look forward to sharing our findings and recommendations through a series of short reports.”

Ms Kavanagh says the Commission’s work will be informed by the knowledge and insights of all sectors of the economy and society. “The Commission will be speaking with public bodies, unions, businesses, academics and other interested parties to better understand the impacts of technological change on the future of work.”

Anyone interested in the Commission’s latest topic can subscribe to receive updates. The Commission’s final report to the Government is due on 31 March 2020.

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