Derbyshire charity chief’s AI job-loss fears

Colin Hampton, of the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres, was speaking at a Bolsover District Council meeting where he thanked the local authority for its support but stressed there will be a continued need for help as AI technology becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives.

He told the meeting: “We have seen the percentage of people unemployed has gone up five per cent and there is a big technological revolution with AI and with every revolution there is always unemployment to follow.

“It may be that it creates jobs in the long-term but there will be unemployment and it has already started now.

“Believe me, if we had not got an Unemployed Workers’ Centre in Bolsover we would have to invent one because unemployment is going to rise. AI works 24 / 7. It is not buying drinks, buying clothes or doing any shopping.”

Mr Hampton added that the more jobs lost to AI the more it will affect shops and services and it is becoming more difficult for services like the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres which has been operating for 43 years, because they rely on donations and grant funding.

He urged Bolsover District Council and local authorities to continue supporting the DUWC and to continue directing any residents they speak to with benefit and welfare problems to the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres.

Mr Hampton, who was appointed DUWC Coordinator in January 1985 and remains in the post, said: “I hope you will go back and tell people in your constituencies if you are having any issues with the benefits system send them to us. Even if we cannot deal with them, after 40 odd years I think we know someone who can.”

DUWC is now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with Trustees backed by the TUC which helps people affected by redundancies, ill health, caring responsibilities and those in precarious employment without any union support as well as many people struggling with benefit claims.

It offers drop-in advice sessions with offices in Bolsover, Pinxton, Clowne, Shirebrook, Creswell, New Houghton, Chesterfield, Brimington, North Wingfield, Alfreton, Belper, Clay Cross, Eckington, Grassmoor, Heanor, and Somercotes, and it has a foodbank in South Normanton.

The DUWC also represents people in tribunal courts where they challenge decisions about their benefits and look into matters concerning Universal Credit as well as Attendance Allowances for elderly pensioners needing personal care or supervision.

Its 2025 annual report revealed that general enquiries and take-up work by the DUWC resulted in payments of £5,168,443 in 2025 being awarded to Derbyshire residents following tribunal appeals for rightful benefits and allowances.

Mr Hampton said: “Our work is life-changing for many people in the community for those who access our services.”

He added: “When we think of the work we do getting people to claim benefits we can actually more than double that figure about how how much money we have brought into Bolsover in the last year and importantly that money is spent on the local economy, so it’s helping the businesses of Bolsover as well as the individual.

“Last year, the support of Bolsover council and other agencies allowed us to bring in over a quarter of a million pounds in funding from outside services and that money would not have been brought in without the support so we thank you again for the consistent support of this council.”

Mr Hampton highlighted how public health directors are also concerned about the impact of poverty and economic problems on worsening mental health problems which affects unemployment.

So Mr Hampton said that by putting money into the pockets of the poorest and most vulnerable the DUWC is also supporting wellbeing.

He also raised concerns about difficulties in Shirebrook to access services after the town’s JobCentre has been temporarily closed with a view to it being reopened in the future but this has not yet happened.

The DUWC has been campaigning for Shirebrook Jobcentre to be reinstated and this drive has been supported by Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet after the centre has been closed since August, 2024, due to asbestos issues and structural problems.

Bolsover District Cllr Steve Fritchley, who oversees Langwith, said there has been a long association with the DUWC, not least support for the charity from Shirebrook Town Council, and he congratulated the DUWC on its success.

Cllr Sandra Peake, who also represents Langwith, and Cllr Mary Dooley, who represents Pinxton, both thanked Mr Hampton and the DUWC for the help and support it has given and continues to provide for residents.

And Cllr Emma Stevenson, who represents South Normanton East, told Mr Hampton: “I have been contacted by residents in South Normanton and I have been able to signpost them to where you meet and I have had feedback of successful outcomes.”

Cllr Clive Moesby, representing Blackwell, said that times are getting worse and Bolsover District Council will always support the DUWC and its staff.

He told Mr Hampton: “The fact you are there, you are giving hope, giving them something to go for. I have sent people to you with no hope and they have come back and they have got a different version and they have got a few bob out of it that they should have had in the first place.”

It is estimated that the DUWC has helped tens of thousands of people since it was first established in 1983, according to its 2025 annual report.

Bolsover District Council Leader Jane Yates told the meeting on May 20: “We all have got residents supported by the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre and we are proud as a council to support you financially and as long as we are here we will do that.”

The Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres are funded by Chesterfield Borough, Bolsover District, North East Derbyshire District and Amber Valley Borough councils and many town and parish councils as well as by the National Lottery Community Fund, Charitable Trusts and from local and national fund giving bodies and public donations.