By Alice Chambers |
Microsoft 365 Copilot could save civil servants nearly two weeks each a year, finds new UK Government report.
The report includes findings from a trial of 20,000 civil servants who used the tool between September and December 2024 to assist with everyday tasks, including drafting documents, summarising lengthy emails, updating records and preparing reports. It saved each user an average of 26 minutes per day, which translates into nearly two weeks of time across one year per person.
“Less time on admin and routine tasks means more time delivering better services to UK citizens and a more effective use of resources,” said Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK. “Whether that’s Department for Work and Pensions work coaches helping more jobseekers into work; local authorities improving social care for the most vulnerable in society; or NHS England clinicians finding more time to see patients, the potential is enormous.”
The UK Government believes it can save £45 billion ($61 billion) as part of its ‘Plan for Change’ initiative by creating investing in more generative AI technology. This figure includes automating delivery of services across the public sector, migrating service processing to cheaper online channels, and reducing fraud and error with digital compliance solutions.
“AI is changing the way government operates, helping us work smarter, reduce red tape and make better use of taxpayers’ money,” said Peter Kyle, technology secretary for the UK Government.