He probably means fine in the long term. Nobody laments the loss of farm laboring or a coal mining jobs now that they are (mostly) gone. In fact the farm jobs that haven't been mechanised yet (picking apples etc.) are mostly done by immigrants with no other options.
I did apple pruning one hot summer. Trust me, nobody will miss that job when machines take over.
Tell that to the coal mining communities that were affected by the closing of coal mines by Thatcher in the 80s. From the reduced expectations of the multi-generationally unemployed, to the social isolation that a lack of community services brings, to the paucity of opportunities for both young people and those who want to change career. 40 years later those communities are still dealing with the consequences of these actions.
I did apple pruning one hot summer. Trust me, nobody will miss that job when machines take over.