Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the way we work. Some experts think it could replace millions of jobs, while others believe it will help us work smarter and more efficiently. While there are many different views on how significant this impact will be, most experts agree that AI will play a major role in the future of work.

But firstly, what exactly is AI?

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is when computers or machines can do tasks that usually need human intelligence. These tasks could be things like understanding speech, recognising images, or making decisions. AI systems get better by learning from data over time.

You might have heard about or used popular (and free) AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, which can answer questions, help with writing, create images or even predict trends. In the workplace, AI can be as simple as a tool that automates repetitive tasks or as advanced as a system that analyses vast amounts of data to make decisions.

 

In this article, we’re looking at research from the UK government to get a clearer picture. This research is important because it’s based on real data and offers valuable insights into how AI might change work in the UK.

1. We Don’t Know Everything Yet

While AI is making headlines, it’s still early days. Nobody knows precisely how much it will change jobs or how quickly. There are lots of different predictions, and opinions vary.

What we do know is that AI will definitely have an effect. As some experts say, “AI won’t take your job, but people who know how to use AI will.” So, learning how to work with AI could be the key to staying ahead.

2. What the Government Research Tells Us

The Impact of AI on UK jobs and training report provides us with some useful information about which jobs and industries are most likely to be affected by AI. Here are some of the key points:

• Professional jobs are most affected: Jobs in finance, law, management, education, and accountancy will see the most changes. These roles involve tasks like analysing data and making decisions—things AI is getting better at. Overall, professional occupations are 24% more exposed to AI than the average across all occupations.
• Qualifications matter: People with advanced qualifications in fields like data science or economics will experience the most change. On the other hand, jobs in construction or manual labour are less likely to be affected by AI right now.
• Industry differences: Some industries will feel AI’s impact more than others. Jobs that involve repetitive or routine tasks are at the highest risk of being automated. The finance and insurance sector is 37% more exposed to AI than the average across all industries.

3. What Does “Impact” Mean?

When we talk about AI’s “impact” on jobs, it doesn’t just mean people losing their jobs. The government research highlights two main ways AI could change work:

• Substitution: AI might take over some tasks that don’t require human creativity or judgement, like processing data or scheduling.
• Augmentation: In many jobs, AI will be a tool to help people do their work better. For example, AI could help GPs analyse health data quickly and accurately, meaning they can make better diagnoses and spend more time with patients.

4. How AI Could Affect You

Depending on where you are in your career, AI could affect you in different ways:

• If you’re just starting out: Learning how to use AI tools could give you an edge. Employers will likely look for candidates who understand how to work with new technologies. For example, if you’re entering a field like marketing, familiarising yourself with AI-powered analytics tools could make you stand out to potential employers.
• If you’re thinking about a career change: Now is an excellent time to consider learning new skills, especially if you’re moving into a field where AI plays a role. Upskilling in areas like data science, AI, or tech-related fields can keep you ahead of the curve. For instance, learning how AI is used for risk assessment or fraud detection could be valuable if you’re moving into finance.
• If you’re further along in your career: AI is less likely to replace you, but it can make your work more efficient. AI tools might help you with tasks like data processing, giving you more time to focus on leadership and strategy. For example, if you’re in a management role, AI could help streamline your team’s workflow, allowing you to focus more on strategic decision-making and team development.

AI is here, and it’s changing the way we work. While the effects may vary depending on your job, AI is set to reshape many industries. It’s not just about losing jobs—it’s about how roles will change and what new opportunities will come.

In the next article, we’ll look at how you can prepare for these changes. We’ll share practical tips on upskilling and using AI tools to stay ahead in your career. Stay tuned!