"This report takes as its starting point that technological change is not only inevitable, but also brings with it real potential benefits. But this doesn't mean that unions and their members can afford to be passive recipients of such change. How new technology is introduced; how it's benefits are fairly shared; how workers are engaged and supported through this period of industrial transformation – all these questions and more point to the need for government employers and policy-makers to seriously engage unions in shaping Industry 4.0. This report doesn't attempt answer all these questions, but instead marks a first contribution to understanding what the coming wave of technological change will mean for Britain's workplaces, and how best unions can shape it to the benefit of working people, their families and communities. That's precisely what we have done throughout the history of the trade union movement: engaged with the world of work as it is; shaped new technologies and ways of working to the benefit of working people; reached out to those working in new jobs and in new ways of working. I'm confident working together, we can do the same again and put great, well-paid, secure jobs at the heart of Industry 4.0."

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