The government recently trialed artificial intelligence (AI) with 20,000 civil servants and found it could save each worker nearly two weeks a year. They used generative AI tools, like Microsoft 365 Copilot, to tackle everyday tasks—drafting documents, summarizing long emails, updating records, and preparing reports.
Research from the Alan Turing Institute backs this up, suggesting AI could assist with up to 41% of tasks in the public sector, leading to substantial time savings. For instance, public sector workers spend about 30 minutes daily on routine emails, many of which don’t need much human input. With a generative AI tool for drafting, they saw a 70% reduction in that time.
The trial saved users around 26 minutes each day. At Companies House, staff used Microsoft Copilot for handling common customer queries and updating records. At the Department for Work and Pensions, work coaches employed AI to tailor advice for jobseekers.
Other departments involved included HMRC, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Energy Security, FCDO, DEFRA, the Welsh Government, and the Office for National Statistics.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle noted, “These findings show that AI isn’t just a future promise—it’s a present reality. AI tools save civil servants time daily, allowing us to focus on delivering faster, more personalized support.” He emphasized that AI is transforming how government functions, helping workers operate more efficiently and use taxpayer money wisely.
Alexander Iosad from the Tony Blair Institute stated, “The case for AI in government has never been clearer. This trial demonstrates that reimagining public sector work with AI can save billions each year. Now’s the time to shift from pilots to full deployment, letting officials concentrate on serving the public.”
Youmna Hashem from the Alan Turing Institute warned that integrating AI must be done carefully. Training and support are essential to ensure staff can confidently use the technology, which could significantly change how time is spent in the public sector.
The trial showcased Microsoft’s Copilot in daily administrative workloads. Enhancements to M365, including functionalities that link AI to existing data, sparked interest among departments. These Copilot Agents can also automate and execute business processes.
Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK, remarked, “AI is the most transformative technology of our time. We’re already witnessing its potential to reshape public service delivery. Collaborating with the UK government offers a chance to improve both service quality and access, unlocking new growth, efficiency, and innovation for the country.”