The Scottish government has published its programme for government which puts
into practice its public service reform strategy. This is a programme of workforce
reduction, cuts and automation, which artificial intelligence (AI) will be at the heart
of. It has also published its AI strategy, which sets out how AI will be put at the
core of public services, and how the government will prioritise investing in AI
companies and infrastructure. This briefing summarises examples of existing AI
use in public services, the Scottish government’s AI strategy, how AI is key to its
reform agenda, and sets out UNISON’s position on the use of AI in public
services.