Research conducted for The Guardian indicates that a significant portion of the workforce in the UK is reluctant to disclose their use of AI tools to their supervisors. Approximately one-third of workers do not communicate their AI usage to senior management, fearing it may lead to concerns about their competence. Only 13% of UK adults openly discuss AI utilization with their superiors, while nearly half regard AI as an aid for those less proficient in their roles.
In a survey by Ipsos involving over 1,500 British workers aged 16 to 75, 33% admitted to not revealing their AI usage. While they are more open with peers at the same level, 25% expressed concern that colleagues might question their capabilities if they shared their reliance on AI. The research highlights broader anxieties about the implications of AI, as more than half of respondents believe that AI poses a threat to societal structures. Additionally, 63% are skeptical about AI serving as a viable substitute for human interaction.
Contextually, there is anticipation for a state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at fostering greater collaboration between the UK and Silicon Valley to enhance AI development in Britain. Accompanying Trump will be Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, who has established a partnership with the UK government for deploying advanced AI models in various sectors, including justice and education. Nvidia’s CEO is also expected to announce a substantial investment in a new datacenter in Northumbria.
Furthermore, polling reflects uncertainty among workers regarding employer guidance on AI usage, contributing to fears of stigma among colleagues. A recent study found that U.S. doctors who utilize AI for medical decision-making are perceived as less competent than their peers, despite acknowledging the technology’s benefits. Experts emphasize the necessity for more evaluation of AI’s impact on everyday tasks and workflows. Additionally, a study from Henley Business School noted that almost half of workers reported a lack of formal guidelines for AI use in their workplaces.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/13/uk-workers-wary-of-ai-despite-starmers-push-to-increase-uptake-survey-finds