Artificial intelligence is gradually making its way into the UK job market, and a recent study indicates that millions of workers could be affected in the next decade. The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) report forecasts that by 2035, up to 3 million low-skilled positions may disappear due to AI and automation. While the overall economy is projected to create approximately 2.3 million new jobs during the same period, the distribution of these opportunities will not be uniform. Concerns are particularly high for individuals in trades, machine operations, and administrative functions, as they are at the greatest risk of being replaced by technology.
Conversely, professions requiring high levels of expertise such as engineers, scientists, and educators are anticipated to experience increased demand as technology enhances productivity and workloads, particularly in the short to medium term.
The NFER report identifies several occupations at risk of automation, including administrative assistants, factory workers, warehouse staff, cashiers, and certain trades like plumbing and electrical work. These roles are characterized by repetitive and predictable tasks, making them ideal candidates for AI and robotic integration.
In contrast, jobs demanding creativity, emotional intelligence, and intricate decision-making are less susceptible to automation. Sectors such as law, management, healthcare, education, and psychology may witness growing demand as technology complements rather than replaces human skills.
Despite the resilience of some professions, AI is expected to redefine work processes within these fields. For example, lawyers and consultants might increasingly rely on AI tools for tasks like research, document creation, and data analysis, potentially reducing the necessity for junior support positions.
Jude Hillary, an author of the report, cautioned against overstating the potential impact of AI on job losses, emphasizing the current uncertainty and lack of substantive discussions around the topic. He highlighted the challenges faced by low-skilled workers in transitioning to new roles, noting that the labor market is increasingly favoring professional and associate professional positions.
Recent studies echo the NFER’s findings, suggesting a correlation between AI adoption and shifts in the labor market, albeit with some differing perspectives on the most exposed sectors. A study by King’s College indicated that knowledge-based industries could face significant job cuts, with higher-paying firms experiencing a 9.4% reduction in employment between 2021 and 2025, notably post the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022.
Government assessments in the UK point to management consultants, psychologists, and legal professionals as being highly susceptible to AI impact, while roles like sports players, roofers, and bricklayers are deemed safer from automation.
Instances of real-world implications of AI integration are emerging globally, with companies like Clifford Chance and PwC implementing workforce changes driven by AI advancements. Despite these developments, Hillary suggests that current layoffs may be more reflective of broader economic concerns rather than solely AI disruptions.
The future of work in Britain seems to present a mixed outlook, with some professions thriving, others facing challenges, and a significant portion of the workforce needing to adapt through reskilling to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-influenced economy.