According to the latest Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI), workers in London are more worried about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on their jobs compared to any other region in the UK.
The JCI, an economic confidence tracker developed in collaboration with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), reveals significant apprehension among London’s workforce regarding AI’s influence on their careers.
London Leads in Concerns Over AI Job Displacement
The report indicates that 49% of employees in London fear that AI will directly affect their careers in the next 12 months, surpassing the national average of 31%. Moreover, nearly two-thirds (61%) of London workers express long-term concerns about AI’s impact on their jobs over the next three to five years, again topping all other UK regions.
The apprehension among London workers coincides with data from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), suggesting that up to eight million jobs across the UK are at risk due to AI advancements.
Londoners Proactively Planning for AI Transition
Amidst these concerns, a significant proportion of London’s workforce (60%) intends to invest in AI-related training in the next five years. Over half (56%) expect employers to finance their AI training, while 54% plan to retrain and transition into AI-related roles or fields.
Chris Lawton, Vice President Permanent Placements UK & Ireland at Robert Half, emphasised the need for proactive measures to address the impact of AI on the workforce. He highlighted the importance of businesses identifying skills gaps and implementing strategies for upskilling and reskilling employees to adapt to the evolving job landscape.
Lawton stressed the accessibility of AI skills for all workers, advocating collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, industry bodies, and policymakers to ensure inclusive access to training opportunities amidst AI’s growing influence on the future of work.
