A recent study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has unveiled the professions most vulnerable to automation by artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming year. According to the research, 17% of employers anticipate a reduction in their workforce due to AI, with 62% pinpointing clerical, junior managerial, professional, or administrative positions as the most likely to be impacted.
In the private sector, 26% of large firms foresee a decrease in their workforce, compared to 17% in the private sector and 20% in the public sector. Among those anticipating job cuts, 26% predict a reduction of over 10% in their workforce. Despite this, 22% of employers plan to make redundancies in the last three months of 2025, while 61% have intentions to hire for new positions.
James Cockett, the senior labor market economist at CIPD, emphasized the necessity for a national initiative to retrain and upskill individuals of all career levels to adapt to the evolving job landscape influenced by AI. He stressed the importance of developing the Growth and Skills Levy promptly through constructive dialogues with employers to ensure workers are adequately equipped for the changing economy driven by AI.
Furthermore, Cockett urged the government and employers to prioritize long-term workforce planning and invest in enhancing skills to assist individuals in effectively utilizing AI in their roles or transitioning to alternative occupations as the utilization of AI expands. The Employment Rights Bill’s potential impact on hiring practices was also acknowledged, with concerns raised about the challenges it might pose for employers in accommodating individuals with varying experience levels and development needs.
In a related development, the UK’s unemployment rate climbed to 5% in the three months leading up to September, up from 4.8% in the preceding three months. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlighted this as the highest level recorded since August 2016, excluding the distortions caused by the pandemic.
For further insights, the full CIPD report can be accessed through the provided link. Stay updated on valuable news by designating Daily Mirror as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.