New research has identified the seven types of jobs most likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence in the UK over the coming year. The findings come from a major survey of employers, highlighting a significant shift in the labour market driven by automation.
Survey Reveals Widespread Workforce Concerns
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) conducted the study, polling more than 2,000 employers about their hiring, redundancy, and pay intentions for the next twelve months. The results, published in December 2025, paint a concerning picture for many workers.
17% of employers stated they believe AI will lead to a reduction in their workforce within the year. Furthermore, a significant two-thirds of those surveyed indicated that clerical, administrative, junior managerial, and professional roles are the most vulnerable to being lost to automation.
Which Roles Face the Highest Risk?
The CIPD report breaks down the specific job categories where employers expect AI to have the most substantial impact. The data shows a clear hierarchy of risk, with office and administrative positions leading the way.
The seven jobs most likely to be cut due to AI are:
- Clerical or administrator - 62%
- Manager or senior administrator - 28%
- Sales or services - 27%
- Semi-skilled or unskilled manual - 23%
- Professional - 17%
- Skilled manual work - 13%
- Foreman - 10%
The research also found that expectations of workforce reduction vary by sector. A quarter of employers in large private firms anticipate their workforce will shrink, compared to 17% in the wider private sector and 20% in the public sector. Alarmingly, one in four employers expect to lose more than 10% of their staff.
Calls for a National Upskilling Drive
James Cockett, a senior labour market economist at the CIPD, commented on the transformative potential and risks of AI. “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,” he said.
Cockett emphasised that junior roles stand to be most affected and stressed the urgent need for a coordinated national response. “We need a national drive to retrain and upskill people of all ages and career stages,” he urged.
He called for rapid progress on the development of the Growth and Skills Levy, informed by genuine consultation with employers, to ensure workers gain the skills needed for an AI-driven economy. The CIPD is urging both the government and employers to focus on long-term workforce planning and investment in skills to help people use AI effectively or transition into new roles.
The report also notes that jobseekers are already feeling the pinch from slower hiring, a trend exacerbated by rising employment costs and potential measures in the Employment Rights Bill. The CIPD warns this could make it harder for employers to hire less experienced candidates who need development.
