A recent study has revealed the significant impact of AI tools on the productivity of UK government workers. The study, which involved over 20,000 civil servants, found that the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot resulted in an average time saving of 26 minutes per day for each employee. This translates to roughly two working weeks per year, per person, that can be redirected towards more strategic and impactful tasks.
The trial, conducted between September and December 2024, included employees from various government departments, such as the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and agencies handling welfare, pensions, and child services. These civil servants utilized Microsoft 365 Copilot for a range of routine tasks, including drafting documents, summarizing meetings, preparing reports, managing emails, scheduling meetings, and creating presentations.
The findings indicate that AI is not just a futuristic concept but a present-day solution for enhancing efficiency in the public sector. By automating and streamlining administrative tasks, AI tools like Copilot free up valuable time for government workers to focus on higher-value activities, innovation, and improving public services. This shift has the potential to transform productivity and service delivery across the entire civil service.
The study also highlighted the overwhelmingly positive sentiment among users, with 82% expressing a preference for working with AI tools and not wanting to revert to pre-Copilot conditions. Over 70% of users agreed that Microsoft 365 Copilot reduced the time spent searching for information and performing mundane tasks, while increasing the time available for more strategic activities. Employees with dyslexia and dyspraxia found that the technology made their work easier and helped them deliver better results, showcasing AI's potential for workplace inclusivity.
However, the study also noted limitations, particularly when dealing with complex, nuanced, or data-heavy aspects of work. Some participants also expressed concerns regarding security and the handling of sensitive data, which led to reduced benefits in certain cases. Furthermore, 17% of respondents reported no time savings from using the AI tools, indicating that adoption was not universally effective.
Despite these limitations, the UK government is optimistic about the potential of AI to modernize public services and achieve £45 billion in cost savings through digital reform. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that AI is changing the way government operates, helping to work smarter, reduce red tape, and make better use of taxpayers' money. This initiative is part of a broader plan to create a lean, modern state by rolling out digital tools like the GOV.UK App, Chat, and Wallet, and tackling outdated legacy systems.
The UK government's commitment to AI extends beyond Microsoft's Copilot. In January 2025, officials unveiled Humphrey, a suite of AI tools designed specifically for civil servants to enhance productivity. Additionally, the Alan Turing Institute released research indicating that up to 41% of tasks across the public sector could be supported by AI. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates a comprehensive effort to integrate AI into various aspects of government operations, with the ultimate goal of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing public services.
