Policymakers can prep for a potential AI job apocalypse (www.wordsinsearchlight.org)

Policymakers are being urged to prepare for a potential job crisis stemming from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). While the current impact of AI on employment has been minimal, there are signs, such as falling hire rates, that could indicate future disruptions. A proposed solution for mitigating possible job losses is a "Job Guarantee," a government initiative to create public jobs, which has garnered support from over half of Americans. However, historical evidence suggests that such programs may not effectively equip workers with transferable skills or necessary job experiences, since jobs created solely for employment can lack meaningful purpose and demand. To effectively combat potential AI-induced unemployment, experts advocate for a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond a simple Job Guarantee. Successful interventions, like skill development and employability programs, have shown varying effectiveness, with techniques such as targeted job training producing positive long-term results. Encouragingly, novel ideas like scaling proven programs—such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) into a wage subsidy—could help maintain employment levels in the face of technological changes. Policymakers need to act proactively by designing interventions based on past learnings, ensuring workers are better prepared for the evolving job landscape shaped by AI.