%0 Report
        %A Drydakis, Nick
        %T Artificial Intelligence-Related Digital Skills and Employment Outcomes for Underrepresented Women
        %D 2026
        %8 2026 Sep
        %I Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        %C Bonn
        %7 IZA Discussion Paper
        %N 18964
        %U https://www.iza.org/publications/dp18964
        %X This study examines whether signalling AI-related digital skills improves employment outcomes for women from underrepresented groups in England, defined by race, age, sexual orientation, and autism-spectrum disclosure. The study finds that underrepresented women receive fewer interview invitations and are considered for lower-paid vacancies than majority-group women. In pooled analyses, signalling AI-related digital skills increases interview invitations for underrepresented applicants, but does not eliminate their disadvantage. These findings are consistent with AI Capital and productivity-signalling frameworks, as employers appear to value AI-related capabilities while the returns to such credentials remain constrained by persistent demographic inequalities. The study therefore demonstrates that positive returns to AI-related skills and labour-market disadvantage can coexist. Its broader implication is that digital upskilling can strengthen the recruitment prospects of underrepresented women, but cannot by itself deliver parity in employment outcomes. A dual policy response is therefore required, combining wider and more equitable access to AI education and training with stronger anti-discrimination enforcement.
        %K AI Capital
%K artificial intelligence
%K skills
%K discrimination
%K hiring
%K wages
%K sexual orientation
%K race
%K age
%K autism spectrum