A recent study conducted by the Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI) in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has unveiled concerning trends indicating a widening “skills glass ceiling” propelled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). 

The research identifies a risk in leaving behind non-graduates, older workers, and individuals in lower socio-economic brackets as AI reshapes the employment landscape.

Graduates, Non-graduates and Older workers

The findings reveal a stark contrast in preparedness for the AI revolution between graduates and non-graduates. While 31% of graduates anticipate access to training through their employers and 33% plan to reskill independently within the next two years, only 18% of non-graduates expect similar opportunities for up-skilling. 

Looking ahead, the data suggests a concerning trend where 50% of graduates plan to acquire training through industry and professional member bodies in the next five years, compared to just 37% of non-graduates. 

This discrepancy underscores the potential for non-graduates to be left behind in the evolving job market landscape, amplifying economic inactivity rates and widening social inequalities.

Moreover, the research highlights the vulnerability of older workers to displacement due to AI advancements. Only 19% of individuals over 55 years old are actively seeking AI-related training, with a similar proportion seeking such opportunities through their employers. 

This demographic’s limited engagement in upskilling initiatives raises concerns, particularly in light of efforts to reintegrate older workers into the labour force following disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Recommended reading

• AI Researchers Create ‘Machine Unlearning’ Method
• Social Posts Have Harmed a Third of Job Seekers’ Employment Prospects
• IMF: AI Will Worsen Inequality and Affect 40% of Jobs

Social Disparities Amplified

The study further explains the widening gap in access to upskilling opportunities across socio-economic groups. While 29% of individuals in upper-mid social tiers are proactively seeking and funding AI-related training, this figure diminishes to 25% among those in lower social grades. Financial constraints likely contribute to this discrepancy, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to training resources.

“AI is going to create a seismic shift in the workforce. And empowering workers through upskilling and reskilling will enable them to better leverage AI tools, helping to drive business value, improve efficiency and shape the future of success,” said Chris Lawton, Vice President Permanent Placements UK & Ireland at Robert Half.

“However, our data suggests that there is currently the potential for a disparity in access to training that could disadvantage those without further education, older workers or those in less advantaged social groupings. The announcement in the Spring Budget that the Government is creating a £7.4 million upskilling fund pilot to increase AI skills access for SMEs is just the first step of what is required. Nonetheless, if such training isn’t being well targeted across the workforce, then true societal impact is at risk of being limited.

“Unless addressed in a structured way, the systemic tech skills shortages the UK is facing are at risk of being exacerbated as per the findings in our JCI. Businesses, education institutions, industry bodies and policy makers need to work together to ensure no-one is left behind due to a lack of access to training.”