Trend AI augmenting rather than replacing work in service fields

Summary

The report expects that in fields such as customer service, accountancy and graphic design, AI may augment and raise productivity rather than replace people outright. This is set alongside its expectation that some other roles could be replaced by AI. The report forecasts that automation alone could affect up to a third of UK jobs, but explains that displacement does not necessarily lead to higher unemployment. Workers may need to build their skills to move into technical occupations. Because AI may replace people in some jobs and require the workforce to reskill, the report sees the risks of AI and of skills shortages as closely connected.