§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what studies have been commissioned by Her Majesty's Government into the impact on employment over the next decade from information technology; and if he will make a statement. [25984]
§ Miss WiddecombeSeveral studies have been commissioned into the future impact on employment of information technology
The Government's technology foresight programme has examined a wide range of technology developments which will underpin improvements in the UK's wealth creating capacity. This has included the IT sector and developments of new IT-based businesses.Several Government Departments co-funded the "Britain in 2010" study which included an assessment of the impact of new technology on jobs.728WThe Department of Trade and Industry has commissioned a feasibility study into the impact of telecommunications and computer applications on the international mobility of jobs.A major study of teleworking, carried out for the Employment Department in 1992, highlighted the ways in which this new form of working can create employment opportunities.A recent study for the Department of Trade and Industry highlighted the potential of telework for increasing the competitiveness of British industry.Advances in IT play a key role in helping to increase productivity and enhance the competitiveness of British industry, contributing to employment growth and improving living standards. IT has facilitated the growth of new forms of working such as telework, which give more people the opportunity to participate in the labour force, help businesses to retain skilled workers and increase employment opportunities in remote areas.