AI expected to reshape 89% of jobs across the workforce in 2026

Nearly 9 out of 10 UK HR leaders expect AI to reshape jobs in 2026, shifting hiring towards skills and improving efficiency while workforce cuts stem mainly from costs.
Nearly 90% of UK HR leaders predict AI will impact jobs in 2026, with skill-based hiring and enhanced productivity set to reshape the workplace.

AI is set to transform the UK workforce in 2026, with nearly 9 out of 10 senior HR leaders expecting AI to reshape jobs, according to a CNBC survey. The survey highlights a shift towards skill-based, AI-enabled recruitment rather than traditional degree-focused hiring.

Despite the widespread adoption of AI, workforce reductions are expected to stem mainly from general cost-cutting rather than efficiency gains. Many HR leaders also noted that while AI has improved efficiency and innovation, it has not yet been fully integrated into every job, resulting in uneven impact across organisations.

The research highlights the potential of AI to boost productivity and innovation, with studies indicating that employees can save an average of 7.5 hours per week by utilising AI tools. HR experts emphasised that learning to use AI to augment human interactions, rather than replace them, will be crucial for the workforce’s future.

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