Londoners exhibit the highest concern in the UK over AI’s impact on their jobs, according to recent findings.
- A reported 49% of the capital’s workforce is uneasy about AI’s influence in the coming year, exceeding national concern levels.
- Long-term apprehension is apparent, with 61% fearing AI’s impact over the next three to five years.
- There is a significant push among Londoners to invest in personal AI-related training, with expectations on employers to support.
- Authorities emphasize the urgent need for skills development and collaboration across various sectors.
According to the latest findings from the Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index, a significant portion of London’s workforce is increasingly anxious about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their careers. The city stands out as the most concerned region in the UK, with 49% of its workers anticipating that AI will affect their jobs within the next year. This figure is markedly higher than the national average of 31%. The East Midlands ranks second, albeit with a substantially lower concern level of 35%.
Long-term concerns are even more pronounced among Londoners. Approximately 61% of employees express apprehension about AI’s influence on job security over the next three to five years, again leading regional and national statistics, with the latter standing at 41%. This heightened anxiety coincides with recent data from the Institute for Public Policy Research, suggesting that AI could potentially jeopardize up to eight million UK jobs.
The uncertainty surrounding AI’s impact is motivating many workers in the capital to proactively pursue AI training. Data reveals that 60% of Londoners plan to invest in developing AI skills over the next five years, closely following Wales, where 62% have similar intentions. In addition to self-investment, 56% of workers expect their employers to contribute to AI training, and 54% are considering transitioning to AI-related roles or fields, surpassing the national average of 40%.
Chris Lawton, Vice President Permanent Placements UK & Ireland at Robert Half, highlights the pressure felt by Londoners, attributing it to the city’s emphasis on professional and financial services jobs. Lawton remarks, “AI is on the cusp of creating a seismic shift in the workforce, but Londoners are feeling the pressure more than anyone else.” He stresses the importance of businesses in actively facilitating skill acquisition. “Employers must act now and ‘talent map’ their human capital, identifying skills gaps and ways to fill them.”
The call for action from businesses to support AI skill development is underscored by the potential benefits they stand to gain. Lawton emphasizes that AI skills should be accessible to all, especially as diversifying talent pools becomes essential. Collaboration between companies, educational institutions, industry bodies, and policymakers is critical to ensuring widespread access to AI training, ensuring that workers are not left behind as AI continues to reshape job landscapes.
In conclusion, addressing London’s AI concerns requires a concerted effort in training and skill development across the board.
