UK firms report AI-driven hiring growth, new roles emerge across sectors
A recent Lloyds Business Barometer survey shows that a quarter of British employers are increasingly recruiting staff with AI expertise, and one-fifth have introduced positions dedicated to artificial intelligence.
According to the Lloyds Business Barometer, AI is moving beyond experimental use in Britain, prompting firms to reshape recruitment. The July survey of 1,200 firms found that 25% are hiring more candidates with AI capabilities and 20% have created roles specifically focused on artificial intelligence, with a total of 54% reporting overall job creation linked to the technology. Senior positions requiring AI skills are expanding, even as hiring for broader AI-related jobs like software development has fallen since 2022.
Amanda Murphy, chief executive of business and commercial banking at Lloyds, said companies must shift from merely accessing AI to building the necessary skills and confidence. Bank of England staff note productivity gains for AI users, though these come at the cost of some jobs, and Governor Andrew Bailey highlighted the challenge of turning adoption into productivity. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned about AI’s potential effects on employment, especially for younger workers, while many large firms plan to increase AI investment and training programmes.
Why it matters
AI is reshaping UK hiring, creating new jobs while also prompting concerns about workforce displacement.
In this story
