LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION: FUTURE OF WORK

Around 1.5 million jobs in England are at high risk of some of their duties and tasks being automated in the future, Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysis shows. But technological advances – in robotics and machine learning, for example – will also create new jobs and change the skills that employers need from human workers.

Projections indicate that we will continue to see a shift towards more people holding high level qualifications. 

By 2027, it is expected that 55.2% of jobs will be held by people qualified at degree or equivalent and above. 

The average qualification level held is expected to rise within all occupations.

The future of work has already arrived for a large majority of officer workers. Employers are set to rapidly digitalize working processes, including a significant expansion of remote work.

Over the next few decades, the UK is expected to undergo significant population change. 

It is expected that an ageing population will lead to changes in the economy as consumer tastes change. 

Job markets could shift away from goods (e.g. cars) towards services (e.g. health care).

A changing population and technological advances are also likely to have an impact on individual preferences and societal values. Not just in terms of the goods and services they demand, but also in the way people choose to work.

Globalisation, the increasing integration of economic activities between nations, is another driver behind future economic and skills needs. 

Trade and linkages between countries has accelerated over the past 50 years and is likely to continue. This could result in a job market with the greatest growth at the higher skill levels.