The UK economy is expected to see the creation of 610,000 new jobs by 2028, driven largely by advances in artificial intelligence (AI).
According to new research conducted by ServiceNow in partnership with workforce specialists Pearson, the growing demand for tech-related roles will lead to significant shifts in the employment landscape. The study predicts a sharp rise in roles within the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors, but also anticipates declines in certain industries such as retail and manufacturing.
This research offers insights into how AI is reshaping the job market in the UK and across other advanced economies. While AI is expected to disrupt certain industries, the overall impact is predicted to result in a net gain in employment, with many new opportunities emerging as AI-driven efficiencies take hold.
Key Sectors to Benefit from AI-Driven Growth
The study highlights that the UK job market will see an increase of 320,000 positions in telecommunications, media, and technology by 2029. Sectors such as education and healthcare are also expected to experience growth, with 190,000 and 90,000 new roles forecasted, respectively.
However, the research indicates that some industries will face workforce reductions. The retail sector is predicted to experience the largest decline, with 240,000 fewer jobs by 2028. Similarly, the manufacturing and financial services sectors are expected to shrink by 90,000 and 50,000 roles, respectively.
Damian Stirrett, Group Vice President & General Manager UK & Ireland at ServiceNow, explained the implications of the findings: “AI is set to galvanise job growth in the UK, a pattern we are also seeing in other advanced economies. Like other technologies before it, on one hand AI will disrupt the workforce, and on the other, create a net-positive gain in employment. Sectors are however facing a decline, a clear sign that employers and governments need to help workers reskill and switch industries.”
AI-Driven Efficiencies and Time Savings
The research also notes that AI will lead to significant time savings for workers, particularly in the tech sector. System administrators, for example, are projected to gain up to 12.6 hours per week due to the efficiencies introduced by AI and other emerging technologies. Across the entire economy, these efficiencies will result in time savings equivalent to 2.88 million full-time roles.
The demand for professionals skilled in implementing and maintaining AI systems is expected to surge, with an estimated 400,000 new positions being created in this area. Computer and information systems managers will be particularly sought after, with 27,200 new roles expected, followed by developers (20,800) and data engineers (9,400).
In the financial services sector, AI is set to drive growth in roles such as data scientists, although demand for data analysts is expected to decrease, with 2,300 fewer roles projected.
Global AI Impact: UK Second Only to the US
The UK’s growth in telecoms, media, and technology roles is predicted to be second only to the United States on a global scale. The research found that while some countries, including Germany and Japan, are likely to experience workforce contractions due to ageing populations, the overall global trend points to employment growth. The United States is forecast to add one million new jobs by 2028, while emerging economies such as India are expected to see significant growth, with up to 34 million new roles being created.
As the UK continues to adapt to the growing influence of AI in the workplace, the need for reskilling and upskilling will become increasingly important. The findings of the ServiceNow and Pearson report underline the urgency for businesses and policymakers to ensure that workers are prepared for the changes ahead, particularly in sectors where job losses are anticipated.
