As the Tony Blair Institute reports that nearly three million jobs in the UK could be at high risk of automation over the next two decades, with researchers predicting a peak loss of between 60,000 to 275,000 jobs a year, businesses are urged across the board to make a concerted effort to upskill those at risk of losing their jobs to AI.

As automation and artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transform industries, the future of work is at a critical turning point. Gi Group, one of the leading UK staffing companies, has called for urgent efforts to upskill ‘unskilled’ workers – a term historically used to refer to roles which require minimal specialised skills –   to ensure they are not left behind as more traditional jobs are phased out.

This appeal comes in light of increasing predictions that jobs such as cashiers, telemarketers, and warehouse packers could disappear by 2050 due to automation and AI advancements.

With industries increasingly driven by AI and technology, projections from the Tony Blair Institute indicate that nearly three million jobs in the UK could be at high risk of automation over the next two decades, disproportionately impacting roles in lower-skilled occupations. Workers in these sectors face an uncertain future unless significant interventions are made to provide training and opportunities to transition into emerging roles.

Addressing the growing gap between the unskilled labour market and the future of work should be a priority for businesses, governments, and educational institutions. Skilled roles in sectors such as robotics, renewable energy, and AI will dominate the jobs landscape, requiring specialised training and education.

Andy Carpenter, Senior Director of Operations at Gi Group, said: “As automation and AI rapidly reshapes the job market, we must act now to ensure that those in unskilled positions are not left behind and do all we can to tackle the disappearing jobs problem head on. By providing accessible and inclusive upskilling opportunities, we can help workers adapt to this rapidly changing environment and contribute to a thriving, equitable economy. The future of work must be inclusive of everyone.”

Businesses need to adopt a collaborative approach by working with Government bodies and educational institutions to create training programs focused on equipping workers with skills for the tech-driven future. This includes training for roles in solar energy, robotics maintenance, and data analytics—fields expected to see significant growth over the next two decades.

The company also emphasises the need for accessible education pathways, particularly for those without access to higher education, to remove barriers to entry into these new roles. Calls for upskilling highlights the pressing need for a forward-thinking workforce strategy.