Headline: UK Firms Eye 3% Pay Rises as AI Adoption Signals Potential Job Cuts
Introduction: UK employers expect modest pay growth over the next year but are bracing for the impact of automation on headcount. A new CIPD survey shows weaker hiring plans, growing caution about tax policy, and a rising focus on how artificial intelligence could reshape the workforce.
Businesses anticipate median pay awards of about 3% over the coming year, unchanged for a sixth consecutive quarter. Even so, recruitment intentions have softened to some of their weakest levels since the pandemic, with the slowdown most pronounced in the public sector. The survey, conducted between September 19 and October 14, underscores a labour market recalibrating to steady wage demands, higher costs, and accelerating digital adoption.
AI is emerging as a catalyst for workforce change. Around one in six organisations expects automation to reduce headcount within the next 12 months, and a quarter of those foresee reductions exceeding 10%. Clerical, junior managerial, and administrative roles are viewed as most exposed as employers seek productivity gains. CIPD senior economist James Cockett cautioned that the recent increase in employers’ social security contributions is already dampening hiring, urging Finance Minister Rachel Reeves to avoid further tax measures that could intensify the slowdown. He also called for targeted investment in workforce skills to help employees adapt to AI-driven transformation.
While expected pay awards sit at 3%, other indicators suggest firmer wage momentum. A Bank of England survey points to 3.7% wage growth in the three months to October, and upcoming official data are expected to show regular pay rising at 4.6% year-on-year. The mixed picture—softening hiring alongside persistent pay pressures—may complicate the Bank of England’s policy path, even as slower labour demand could strengthen the case for easing interest rates.
Key Points: – UK employers plan median pay increases of around 3% over the next year, steady for six quarters. – Hiring intentions are among the weakest since the pandemic, particularly in the public sector. – One in six firms expects AI adoption to reduce headcount; a quarter of those foresee cuts above 10%. – Clerical, junior managerial, and administrative roles are considered most at risk from automation. – CIPD warns that higher employer social security contributions are cooling recruitment and urges caution on further tax changes. – Wage indicators diverge: Bank of England survey signals 3.7% growth, with official data expected to show regular pay up 4.6% annually.
