UK workers lag in AI training, study shows digital divide

New research from CYPHER Learning warns that the UK workforce may be losing its competitive edge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilisation, with fewer employees experiencing the benefits, using AI, and receiving training compared to their counterparts in the US and Mexico.

The study surveyed 4,543 workers aged 18 and above from various industries across the UK, the US, and Mexico. Among them, 2,000 were from the UK. The findings suggest that while AI is significantly transforming job roles in a positive manner by handling repetitive tasks and improving workplace efficiency, UK workers are less likely to report experiencing these benefits. Furthermore, 33% of UK workers expressed a desire to see AI banned from the workplace entirely.

CYPHER Learning found that 63% of workers across the three nations stated that AI technologies have already impacted the skills required for their roles. Over half (52%) believe AI will either 'totally transform' or have a 'major impact' on their roles within two years. A notable 38% of respondents expect they will need to retrain as their jobs risk becoming obsolete, and 45% are concerned about their future job security due to AI's advancements.

Despite these concerns, many workers maintain a positive outlook on AI's integration into their roles. Sixty-seven percent view AI as a 'friend' rather than a foe, with 41% utilising Generative AI (GenAI) in their work. Additionally, 46% of workers reported that AI makes their jobs easier, and 43% noted it helps by taking over administrative tasks, allowing them to concentrate on more valuable work.

However, the survey highlights a digital divide within the workforce. Younger employees, men, and senior management are more likely to use and experiment with AI at work compared to women, individuals over 55, and those in manual or clerical positions. These groups reported feeling less benefit from AI technologies in their roles.

The call for better guidance remains strong, with 69% of workers expressing the need for clear AI policies in the workplace. Additionally, 33% believe AI should be banned in workplace settings entirely, and 25% admitted to using AI without their supervisors' knowledge.

Graham Glass, Founder and CEO of CYPHER Learning, commented, "Each technological leap – such as we are currently experiencing with AI – does change the workplace. Trade-offs have had to be made throughout history as jobs and roles shift. But over the long term these changes generally prove to be for the better."

Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer and Principal HCM Analyst at Brandon Hall Group, added, "Artificial intelligence is not just about automation—it's about augmentation. Brandon Hall Group research underscores AI's ability to enhance the workforce by freeing employees from mundane tasks and empowering them to focus on more strategic, creative endeavours. The true value of AI lies in its ability to enrich the employee experience and provide actionable insights that elevate organisational performance. CYPHER Learning's report highlights a key issue: all employees should have the opportunity to benefit from training and support to maximise AI's value in the workforce."

With AI's influence expected to grow, 73% of workers believe AI skills will be significant to their roles within five years. 45% consider such skills to be 'essential' or 'very important.' Yet, only 25% of employees have received training in this area. Disparities are particularly pronounced among demographics, with only 11% of workers over 55 having undergone AI training compared to 30% of those aged 18 to 44. Similarly, 36% of men have had AI training versus 18% of women, and 58% of senior management have received training compared to just 11% of manual or clerical workers.

The research also uncovered concerns regarding current technology training methods. Nearly half (48%) of workers worry about their company's future due to insufficient leadership investment in new technology skills. Additionally, 46% struggle to keep up with required tech and digital skills, and 53% find their tech training becomes outdated quickly.

Graham Glass concluded, "As AI increasingly permeates the workplace, fostering a culture of continuous learning through training and education will be essential to boost worker confidence. Some workers may feel overwhelmed by technology when training is not delivered in a way that is relevant to them and their role. For example, helping people understand the purpose of AI, and how to assess and validate outputs, will be more useful to some workers than extensive training in prompt engineering. When training is delivered in ways applicable to each individual and their role, at the right time in the right context, it's more likely to help them progress."