Businesses across Shropshire are being urged to introduce clear policies governing the use of AI in the workplace, as more employees turn to tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as part of their everyday work.

Employment lawyer and HR specialist Alasdair Hobbs, of Human Results in Telford, said many organisations were embracing AI because of the productivity benefits it could bring, but warned that employers also needed to consider the potential risks.

He said: “Artificial intelligence has developed incredibly quickly over the past couple of years and many employees are already using it, whether employers realise it or not.

“For most businesses, the question is no longer whether AI should be used, but how it should be used safely and responsibly.”

Alasdair said one of the biggest concerns was employees entering confidential or commercially sensitive information into publicly available AI platforms without understanding how that information could be processed or retained.

“There are also issues around accuracy,” he said. “AI can be an excellent starting point for research or drafting documents, but it should never replace human judgement. Employees need to understand that they remain responsible for checking the accuracy of anything they produce.”

Alasdair said employers should consider introducing a simple AI policy setting out which systems staff were permitted to use, what information could be shared with AI tools and when human approval would be required.

“Businesses don't need to be afraid of AI - it has enormous potential to improve efficiency and reduce the time spent on routine administrative tasks,” he said.

"But like any new technology, it needs sensible safeguards. A clear policy, supported by appropriate training, will help businesses gain the benefits while reducing the risks.”

Human Results provides employment law and HR advice to businesses across Shropshire and beyond from its offices in Telford.

For more information, visit www.humanresults.co.uk.