UK could lose 3 million low-skilled jobs to AI by 2035
Big changes are coming to the UK job scene: a new NFER report says nearly three million low-skilled jobs—think trades, machine operators, and admin roles—might disappear by 2035 thanks to automation and AI.
The flip side? These technologies could also create about 2.3 million new roles, but mostly for people with higher-level skills.
Not all sectors—and workers—will be affected equally
Job creation from tech isn't spread out evenly.
Some industries will see more opportunities for skilled workers than others, and studies even disagree on who's most at risk.
While some say low-skilled jobs are in danger, others point to higher-paying roles being hit hard too—like Clifford Chance cutting 10% of its business services staff due to AI.
But as NFER's Jude Hillary points out, not every job cut is directly caused by AI; rising costs and a slowing economy play a part too.