A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) estimates that as many as 3 million low-skilled jobs in the UK could be lost by 2035 due to automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The occupations most likely to be affected include trades, machine operations, and administrative roles. In contrast, the demand for highly skilled professionals is expected to rise as technological advancements increase workloads, particularly in the short to medium term. Overall, the report projects a net gain of 2.3 million jobs in the UK by 2035, albeit distributed unevenly across sectors.
These findings appear to diverge from other recent studies suggesting that AI may have a more significant impact on highly skilled positions, such as software engineering and management consultancy, than on trades and manual labor. For instance, research from King’s College indicated that higher-paying firms experienced a job loss of about 9.4% between 2021 and 2025, a period that included the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.
According to the UK government, certain professions, including management consultants and legal professionals, are among those “most exposed to AI,” while manual trades, such as roofing and bricklaying, are less likely to face replacement. Recently, the law firm Clifford Chance announced it would be laying off 10% of its business services staff, approximately 50 roles, partially due to AI. Simultaneously, PwC modified its hiring plans, reducing its target from 100,000 employees by 2026, citing changes in workplace requirements due to AI.
Jude Hillary, one of the report’s authors, commented that predictions regarding job losses from AI may be premature. He suggested that layoffs attributed to AI might also stem from broader economic challenges, such as rising costs and employer caution. Hillary noted that the effects of AI on the workforce would likely be multifaceted, creating demand for some roles while reducing it for many entry-level positions and lower-skilled jobs, potentially leading to barriers for displaced workers seeking to re-enter the labor market.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/25/ai-could-replace-3m-low-skilled-jobs-by-2035-research-finds