UK civil servants using Microsoft's Copilot have reportedly saved nearly two weeks per year, according to a government study. The AI tool assisted over 20,000 staff in tasks such as drafting documents and summarising meetings. Officials noted the technology enhanced their ability to deliver the Plan for Change, streamlining consultations and speeding up support for job seekers.
The study showed that Copilot helped users save an average of 26 minutes daily, significantly boosting productivity. This time saving allows civil servants to focus on higher-value tasks, innovation, and public service impact. The UK government aims to save £45 billion by modernising the state through technology, with AI playing a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth across public services.
Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, highlighted the transformative potential of AI within the UK government, emphasising improved productivity and citizen services. The government has a five-year agreement with Microsoft for AI-powered products, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, to drive digital transformation and achieve cost savings across the public sector.
