A recent study by the British Standards Institution (BSI) has highlighted concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on entry-level job opportunities for young people entering the workforce. According to the report, many business leaders are prioritizing AI solutions over hiring new staff, with 41% indicating that AI has enabled them to reduce their workforce. This trend raises questions about the future of job availability for newcomers.
The survey, which involved over 850 business leaders from the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Australia, China, and Japan, revealed that nearly one-third of respondents are considering AI solutions before looking to hire. Additionally, two-fifths anticipate this approach will become more common within five years. Notably, 25% of surveyed leaders believe that the majority of tasks performed by entry-level employees could soon be handled by AI.
BSI’s Chief Executive, Susan Taylor Martin, stressed the importance of balancing AI advancements with workforce development, asserting that the integration of AI tools should not diminish the value of human employees. The report also found that 39% of leaders reported a reduction or elimination of entry-level roles due to AI efficiencies in tasks like research and administrative duties.
Further findings indicated that 76% of leaders expect AI to yield tangible benefits within the next 12 months, primarily aimed at enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Despite this optimism, the study also noted that the term “automation” appeared significantly more frequently in corporate reports compared to “upskilling” or “retraining.”
Moreover, a separate poll conducted by the Trades Union Congress revealed that approximately half of UK adults are concerned about the potential impact of AI on their job security. In the broader economic context, the UK job market is experiencing a decline, with a jobless rate reaching 4.7% – the highest in four years. Economists, however, do not attribute this slowdown directly to AI investments. Concerns have also been raised about inflated valuations in the AI sector, suggesting a potential stock market bubble.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/09/gen-z-face-job-pocalypse-as-global-firms-prioritise-ai-over-new-hires-report-says