New YouGov research conducted on behalf of The Access Group has revealed British employees’ AI skills are not keeping pace with development. 

The research surveyed 1,500 UK employees and HR leaders and found that the majority of these professionals have never received any formal AI training, leading to unstructured experimentation and use. 

The study revealed 44% of employees use AI in their work, but amongst this group, only 19% have undertaken relevant training or courses.

Across leadership surveyed results were only marginally better, with 32% having engaged in formal training or courses on AI. 

Only a third of respondents indicated a need for government-backed retraining programmes, despite a lack of formal training available to most. 

Interestingly, the report noted a significant disparity between proven expertise and employees’ perceived capabilities. Only 3% of respondents indicated lack of AI skills and training was causing workplace fear, despite the risks of AI misuse potentially leaving employees and employers very exposed. 

Misuse of AI could result in ‘errors, misapplication and accountability gaps’, all of which can result in repercussions for individuals and significant organisational risk. 

This highlights the importance of ensuring employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly.

Within the group of respondents who are not using AI at all, 26% have no plans to start using it. 

This may cause bigger disparities between employees and organisational skills gaps as AI becomes embedded in workflows. 

When respondents were asked about ways to increase their confidence in using AI in the workplace, 18% cited job security, 9% wanted reassurance that AI would make their job easier, not harder, 8% pointed to better understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, whilst only 7% called for formal training as a solution. 

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Caroline Fanning, chief employee success officer at The Access Group commented: “The data is telling us something important: employees aren’t resistant to AI – they’re enthusiastic but navigating genuinely new territory. And so are the leaders responsible for supporting them. 

“What matters is that businesses respond with structure, guidance and a genuine will to educate. 

“The organisations that will thrive won’t be those with the most advanced AI tools. They’ll be the ones whose people know how to use them with confidence and accountability”.