New Research Reveals UK Job Market Focuses on Basic Technical Skills
London, UK — October 11, 2023 — Despite the heightened discourse surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its prospective impact on the future job market, recent research from the hiring platform Indeed highlights a starkly different reality. UK businesses are predominantly prioritising basic technical skills over advanced AI competencies.
Basic Technical Skills Dominate Job Listings
The analysis reveals that over 10% of the skills mentioned in UK job postings are rudimentary technical skills such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, with AI proficiency featuring only in 2.6% of listings. Generic IT skills top the list, appearing in 10% of all UK job postings, followed by Microsoft Office (6%) and Microsoft Excel (5%).
The demand for basic digital skills has remained consistent over the past five years, with 8.1% of job postings requesting such competencies. This trend is consistent internationally; for instance, 17.2% of job listings in the United States require basic digital skills.
Soft Skills Take Precedence Over Technical Prowess
The importance of human-centric soft skills is also evident in the data. Communication skills are the most commonly listed requirement, featuring in 30% of UK job ads. Leadership (9%) and organisational skills (7%) are also in high demand.
High-Tech Sectors Experience Slowdown
Another contributing factor to the prominence of basic skills is the dampened demand within highly technical sectors. High-tech job postings have decreased by 28% compared to their pre-pandemic levels. Conversely, low- and mid-tech sectors have either remained stable or experienced only minor declines.
AI's Role: Support Rather Than Replacement
The study also delves into the impact of AI on the workforce, dispelling fears of widespread job displacement. Out of over 2,800 work skills evaluated, none were categorised as "very likely" to be replaced by generative AI (genAI). Indeed's findings indicate that 68.7% of skills are "very unlikely" or "unlikely" to be substituted by AI.
However, the likelihood of AI's role varies across different professions. For software development jobs, it is "possible" or "likely" that AI could replace humans in over 71% of skill areas. In contrast, only 33% of skills in nursing are susceptible to AI replacement.
Looking towards the future, around 29% of skills could be replaced by genAI, contingent on advancements in AI tools and business practices.
Jack Kennedy's Insights
Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, commented on the findings: "While AI and other advanced technologies are likely to shape the future labour market, the current reality is that many employers are seeking workers with basic computer skills."
Kennedy emphasised the importance of not overlooking the need for elementary digital literacy, mentioning its crucial role in employment accessibility: "Lacking basic digital skills is not only a disadvantage in the workplace, it’s also a barrier to gaining employment in the first place."
Closing the Skills Gap
The report underscores the immediate necessity of addressing basic digital skill gaps to enable broader engagement with the digital labour market. Kennedy pointed out that while AI might eventually necessitate a workforce upskilling, the pressing issue remains ensuring that everyone has the fundamental skills required to thrive in the digital age.
This research invites readers to reflect on the current state of the UK's job market and the practical steps needed to equip the workforce with essential skills.
Source: Noah Wire Services