Despite concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing jobs, UK professionals think improving their AI skills will give them an edge at work and in their careers. Research found that around half of workers believe developing their knowledge of AI will improve their chances of securing a good job and enhance their performance at work.

Just 14% of UK professionals are sceptical about the potential of AI and are unconvinced that developing their AI skills will boost their job prospects. The same percentage doubt better AI skills will help them do their job more effectively, while around a third are still uncertain about the technology’s capabilities.

Research also identifies a gender divide in attitudes towards AI, with men more enthusiastic than women about the technology’s potential for their professional lives. Specifically, 21% of men strongly agree that better AI skills will help them do a better job, while only 12% of women hold the same view. Similarly, almost a quarter of men surveyed (23%) strongly agree that developing their AI skills will help advance their careers, compared to just 13% of women.

Most respondents believe AI benefits businesses, with only 12% thinking it has no business value. The remaining 78% cite the most promising applications as automating processes, reducing administration, and improving reporting.

“Far from fearing AI, our survey shows that many UK professionals are keen to embrace the technology rather than risk being left behind,” said David Morel, CEO of Tiger Recruitment.

“Keeping up with the latest technology can give workers a competitive advantage, provided they use it wisely. When it comes to AI, the key is ensuring that speed doesn’t compromise quality and individuality; a CV that reflects a candidate’s personality or a piece of work that shows careful analysis is more likely to attract an employer’s attention.”

*Research by by Tiger Recruitment