21 Jul 2026
Workforce leaders from the US and UK share essential insights for HR professionals regarding the implications of artificial intelligence on hiring practices and talent acquisition strategies.
Department Of Labor
The Department of Labor is actively shaping national workforce strategy, with a significant focus on developing skills for emerging technology sectors, particularly artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to prepare the nation for future labor market demands by fostering AI literacy and providing accessible training. The agency is committed to creating frameworks that enhance AI skill development across the country, ensuring readiness for technological advancements and their impact on hiring.
Alongside its forward-looking strategy, the DOL is navigating shifts in existing labor regulations, specifically concerning gig worker classification and independent contractor rules. Recent changes may influence enforcement priorities and the scrutiny applied to worker status investigations. This adjustment introduces a nuance to the DOL's operational focus, balancing its strategic vision with immediate regulatory realities and established worker protections.
The Department of Labor is thus balancing its proactive stance on advanced technological skills with evolving interpretations of current labor standards for the contingent workforce. This dual approach indicates an evolving mandate where both future preparedness and established worker protections are subject to ongoing policy refinement and operational adaptation, reflecting a dynamic approach to labor market challenges and workforce development.
Last updated July 26, 2026
Coverage
1 Apr 2026
The Department of Labor has launched a text-based training initiative called "Make America AI-Ready" to improve access to artificial intelligence skills-building and foster an AI-literate workforce across the United States.
10 Mar 2026
A forthcoming regulatory change from the Trump administration that loosens gig worker classification standards may lead to reduced scrutiny from the Department of Labor during investigations into worker status.
18 Feb 2026
The Department of Labor has established a framework intended to expedite the development of effective artificial intelligence skills nationwide, as announced by Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
13 Jan 2026
A newly released category guide addresses the fragmentation of compliance requirements within HR technology stacks and features input from the Department of Labor's chief innovation officer.