One in six employers expect AI to shrink their workforce over the next year, with
junior roles most at risk, according to a survey conducted by the Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Almost two thirds of those surveyed believe that clerical, junior managerial,
professional or administrative roles are most likely to be lost because of AI.
The risk is highest in large private sector firms, where 26% expect headcount to
fall, compared with 17% in the private sector overall and 20% in the public
sector.
Among those who expect headcount to reduce because of AI in the next 12 months, a
quarter expect to lose more than 10% of their workforce.
James Cockett, Senior Labour Market Economist at the CIPD, said:
'AI is transforming the way many people work and has great potential for
improving productivity and performance, but it also risks leaving many
people behind.
'Junior roles stand to be most affected by AI, but we need a national drive
to retrain and upskill people of all ages and career stages. It's crucial
that we see rapid progress on the development of the Growth and Skills Levy,
informed by genuine consultation with employers, to ensure workers are
equipped with the skills for an AI-driven economy.'
Internet link: CIPD