A recent study has unveiled the types of jobs that are most vulnerable to replacement by artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming year. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) conducted a survey of more than 2,000 employers to gather insights into their hiring, redundancy, and compensation plans for the next year.
Findings indicate that 17% of employers anticipate a reduction in their workforce due to AI, with approximately 62% pinpointing clerical, junior managerial, professional, or administrative positions as the most susceptible to elimination. Notably, 26% of employers in large private sector companies foresee a reduction in their workforce, in contrast to 17% in the private sector and 20% in the public sector.
Among those expecting workforce reductions, 26% anticipate shedding over 10% of their employees. Furthermore, 22% of employers plan to make staff redundant in the three months leading up to December 2025, while 61% have intentions to hire for new positions.
James Cockett, a senior labor market economist at CIPD, emphasized that while AI offers opportunities for enhanced productivity, it also raises concerns about potential job losses. He stressed the importance of a concerted effort to retrain and upskill individuals of all ages and career levels to adapt to the changing landscape. Cockett also called for a strategic approach from both the government and employers to support workforce planning and skill development for the era of AI-driven operations.
The unemployment rate in the UK rose to 5% in the three months ending in September, a slight increase from the previous period. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that this rate was the highest since August 2016, excluding distortions caused by the pandemic.
For further insights, the complete CIPD report is available for reference.
