EMPLOYERS in Northamptonshire are being advised not to use AI-powered chatbots for HR advice and guidance on employment law.
HR expert Rachel Collar pictured has spoken out because of the rising popularity of chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing AI, being used in place of some work functions.
While chatbots can be a time saver and help productivity for various tasks, their information is not always reliable, which could land businesses in hot water.
Ms Collar owns and runs Haus of HR in Towcester and is a non-executive director of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. She said: “Chatbots are a great addition to many workplaces right now… if they are used in the right way.
“The problem is, their ‘learning’ is up to two years out of date and because employment law changes so frequently, asking them for HR advice could lead to a business breaking the law.
“And that could mean business owners find themselves being taken to an employment tribunal for failing to adhere to appropriate legislation.”
Rachel also points out that chatbots have been found to give out inaccurate information, or information that is country-specific, which could also lead to problems.
“When it comes to employment law, it is always best to seek advice from a real-life HR expert,” she said.
“We spend hours keeping up with changes to the law and making sure we are well-versed in everything HR, to keep you and your staff protected.
“While it can be tempting to cut corners to save money – especially in today’s climate – acting on the wrong advice could ultimately end up costing you way more.”
