A slow increase in workers in Scotland utilising AI in the workplace is due to a lack of training and support, according to new research.

The research from leading workplace solutions and recruitment specialist Hays reveals that nearly a quarter (23%) of workers are now using AI tools or technologies as part of their job, up from 19% in 2023. Among those not using AI tools, a third (33%) cite a lack of understanding, support, or training as the reason, while 30% do not see the benefits of AI.

Despite these challenges, the survey of over 10,600 professionals and employers, including 607 respondents in Scotland, found that nearly two in five (35%) employers are recommending the use of AI technologies or tools in the workplace, with this figure rising to nearly half (47%) among firms with over 1,000 employees across the UK.

Justin Black, business director of Hays specialising in technology, said: “The research shows that only 8% of firms in Scotland have full access to the necessary skills to effectively utilise AI tools and technologies, while nearly a third of workers feel unprepared to leverage AI technologies due to a lack of understanding and support. This highlights a significant skills gap.

“This slow adoption of AI in the workplace highlights an urgent need for improved training and support systems to truly take advantage of the technology available. This gap in knowledge, resources and skills is a notable barrier to fully integrating AI into day-to-day tasks and responsibilities which could otherwise boost innovation and productivity across a number of different sectors.”

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Additionally, nearly three-quarters (72%) of professionals in Scotland would be willing to take part in upskilling or reskilling programmes to adopt AI in the workplace. Despite this willingness, only 10% say they have received any training or support from their employer to help them adopt AI technologies. Black believes that these figures further highlight the potential for growth if proper training is provided.

“Employers must acknowledge the demand for AI training and support and invest in effective initiatives to close the skills gap and ensure it’s widely offered,” he says. “By doing so, they’ll not only reduce concerns about AI’s impact on future employment and job security but also empower their workforce to tap into the full potential of AI tools and technologies.”

The research also showed that 41% of workers say they are concerned about the potential risks to future employment opportunities due to AI advancement.

However, only 15% of employers say they believe there are jobs in their current organisation that could be replaced by AI in the future. Nearly one in five (12%) workers intend to change their profession or field of expertise by the end of 2025 in response to AI developments.