Gen Z face job-pocalypse' as global firms prioritise AI over new hires, report says

"Four in 10 (41%) of bosses said AI was allowing them to cut the number of employees in a survey of more than 850 business leaders across seven countries: the UK, US, France, Germany, Australia, China and Japan. Nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed said their organisation was looking at AI solutions before considering hiring a person, with two-fifths expecting this to be the case within five years."

"AI represents an enormous opportunity for businesses globally, but as they chase greater productivity and efficiency, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is ultimately people who power progress. Our research makes clear that the tension between making the most of AI and enabling a flourishing workforce is the defining challenge of our time. There is an urgent need for long-term thinking and workforce investment, alongside investment in AI tools, to ensure sustainable and productive employment."

"In a sign of the challenges facing workers belonging to gen Z born between 1997 and 2012 at a time when the labour market is cooling, a quarter of bosses said they believed that all or most tasks carried out by entry-level colleagues could be performed by AI. In addition, two-fifths (39%) of leaders said entry-level roles had already been reduced or cut as a result of efficiencies made by using AI tools to conduct research or carry out administrative and briefing tasks."

A survey of more than 850 business leaders across seven countries shows widespread prioritization of AI automation over hiring and training. Forty-one percent of leaders reported AI allowed them to cut employee numbers, and 31% said their organisation considered AI solutions before hiring, with two-fifths expecting this within five years. A quarter of bosses believed most entry-level tasks could be performed by AI, and 39% said entry-level roles had already been reduced or cut due to AI efficiencies in research, administrative and briefing tasks. The trend raises concerns for Gen Z and highlights the need for workforce investment alongside AI deployment.

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