UK Government AI Trial Shows Civil Servants Could Save Nearly Two Weeks a Year

A landmark artificial intelligence trial involving over 20,000 UK civil servants has demonstrated significant productivity gains, with early results showing each participant could save nearly two working weeks per year by integrating generative AI tools into their daily tasks.

The government-led initiative, which ran for three months, involved the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot to assist in everyday duties such as drafting documents, summarising meetings, updating records, and preparing reports.

According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, participating staff saved an average of 26 minutes per day, equivalent to nearly two weeks annually. Scaled across the civil service, this could translate into productivity gains equivalent to over 1,100 full-time work years every year.

Boosting Public Sector Efficiency

The pilot formed part of the UK government’s wider Plan for Change, which aims to transform public service delivery through digital innovation and reduce administrative inefficiencies. It supports the broader target of saving £45 billion by streamlining state operations, reducing red tape, and improving service accessibility.

At Companies House, employees used Copilot to handle customer queries and automate record updates. Meanwhile, work coaches at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) used the AI system to deliver tailored employment support, significantly reducing turnaround time for job seekers.

“AI isn’t just a future promise – it’s a present reality,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, speaking at SXSW London alongside former Prime Minister Tony Blair. “Whether drafting documents or cutting down routine admin, AI tools are saving civil servants time every day.”

Case Study: Real Impact on Citizens

A DWP work coach shared an example of helping a self-employed client boost her business using AI. By generating social media content and identifying cost-saving strategies, the client secured seven new bookings in one week. The woman is now using Copilot to manage her calendar and grow her business further.

Research Confirms Broader Potential

The findings are complemented by a new report from the Alan Turing Institute, which estimates that up to 41% of tasks across the UK public sector could be supported by AI. For example:

• Teachers spend nearly 100 minutes per day on lesson planning — 75% of which could be AI-assisted.
• Civil servants spend approximately 30 minutes daily on email — with AI capable of cutting that effort by over 70%.

A Leaner, Modern State

The AI trial is one element of the government’s ongoing effort to modernise digital infrastructure. Other initiatives include:

• The rollout of the GOV.UK App, Chat, and Wallet
• Migration of services to digital channels
• Legacy system decommissioning

The projected £45 billion in savings is expected from three levers:

• £36B from simplifying and automating service delivery
• £4B from shifting to cheaper online channels
• £6B from reducing fraud and error via digital compliance