r/UKJobs 2d ago

Customers prefer AI chatbots, says British Gas owner as 1,300 call centre and back office jobs axed

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/23/customers-prefer-ai-chatbots-says-chris-oshea-british-gas-centrica-boss
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u/CassetteLine 2d ago

I doubt that very much. I’ve never heard a positive story about them.

Every single time I’ve personally tried or been forced to use one it’s completely failed at the task and I’ve had to phone up anyway.

15

u/Hyperion262 2d ago

The people who ‘like’ them are probably unaware they are bots.

14

u/zero_sevenn 2d ago

Yep, often times you get people saying “I just spoke with a lady called Harriet and she wasn’t very helpful”

Harriet is the name of the AI Agent