United Kingdom, March 30 -- Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating "step changes in productivity", according to a leading industry consultant.

Major tech companies including Google, Amazon, Meta and Pinterest have all cited AI as the driving force behind recent rounds of mass redundancies, with bosses claiming the technology is allowing their firms to do more with fewer staff.

Speaking about recent job cuts, Anne Hoecker, a partner at Bain who leads the consultancy's technology practice, told the BBC: "Some of it is that the narrative is changing, some of it is that we really are starting to see step changes in productivity.

"Leaders more recently are seeing these tools are good enough that you really can do the same amount of work w...