A recent study conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has identified the job roles most vulnerable to displacement by artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming year. According to the survey of over 2,000 employers, approximately 17% anticipate a decrease in their workforce due to AI, with the majority (62%) pointing to potential losses in clerical, junior managerial, professional, or administrative positions.
The research further revealed that 26% of large private sector firms are expecting a reduction in their workforce, compared to 17% in the private sector and 20% in the public sector. Among those anticipating job cuts, a quarter (26%) foresee a reduction of over 10% in their workforce. Additionally, 22% of employers are planning to make staff redundant in the final quarter of 2025, but 61% have intentions to hire for new positions.
James Cockett, a senior labor market economist at CIPD, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on work dynamics, citing the urgency for a national initiative to retrain and upskill individuals across various career stages. He stressed the importance of developing skills tailored to an AI-driven economy through the Growth and Skills Levy, urging collaboration between employers and policymakers for effective workforce planning.
As unemployment rates in the UK rose to 5% in the three months leading up to September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted this as the highest level since August 2016, excluding the pandemic-related distortions. The evolving employment landscape underscores the necessity for strategic investment in skills to navigate the evolving job market influenced by AI technology.
To delve deeper into the CIPD report, you can access the full findings on their website.