New figures have shed light on the impact of the advent of artificial intelligence in the technology sector, showing a significant decrease in job vacancies for certain roles compared to the previous year.
Job site Adzuna’s analysis revealed a noteworthy drop in the number of positions available in more than a dozen careers that were considered most susceptible to AI integration.
According to Adzuna’s data, job vacancies in several professions experienced a dramatic decline of up to 50 percent since 2022.
For example, graphic designers witnessed a staggering 58 percent drop, with only 691 listed vacancies in July compared to 1,641 in the previous year. Similarly, software engineering roles plummeted by 57 percent, going from 20,193 vacancies to 8,644.
While the prevailing stagnation in the economy and persistently high inflation rates might be making employers cautious about hiring, the increasing prevalence of AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Google’s Bard is also playing a role in this decline, as reported by Adzuna.
The AI revolution
The impact of the AI revolution has been particularly evident among tech workers, with roles in data management, IT support analysts, and web designers declining by over a third.
Adzuna had identified numerous jobs considered most exposed to AI replacement, relying on studies from reputable sources like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the University of Pennsylvania, and Goldman Sachs.
Should we be concerned about AI’s dominance?
The growing dominance of AI in the workplace has raised concerns among unions, prompting calls for government regulation of this nascent technology. A tech union, Prospect, conducted a survey revealing that less than half of the respondents were confident that their employers would consult them before introducing AI technologies at work.
Andrew Pakes, Prospect’s deputy general secretary, emphasised the need for proper consultation with workers before implementing any technological changes.
While technological advancements have the potential to benefit both employers and workers, ensuring transparent communication and consultation with the workforce is crucial in navigating the impact of AI integration into various job sectors.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
