A new study by the British Standards Institution (BSI) warns that young people entering the workforce are confronting a “job-pocalypse,”. As global business leaders increasingly invest in artificial intelligence (AI), this instead of hiring and training new employees.
The survey includes over 850 business leaders across seven countries counting the UK, US, France, Germany, Australia, China, and Japan. They have found that 41% of bosses are already using AI to reduce employee numbers. Nearly one-third (31%) said they now consider AI solutions before hiring staff. Also, two-fifths expect this trend to dominate within the next five years.
This shift poses particular challenges for Generation Z workers (born 1997 – 2012), with one in four executives believing AI could handle most entry-level tasks. About 39% of leaders said junior roles have already been reduced or eliminated as AI takes over administrative and research work.
Susan Taylor Martin, CEO of BSI, highlighted the need for balance. “AI represents an enormous opportunity, but we must not lose sight of the fact that it’s people who power progress. Businesses must invest in both technology and their workforce to ensure sustainable employment.” (Martin, 2025).
Current Situation
Despite widespread concern, over half of the executives surveyed (53%) believe the long-term benefits of AI will outweigh the short-term workforce disruption. Three-quarters expect to see measurable improvements in productivity and efficiency from AI within the next year.
The BSI analysis also found that “automation” appears almost seven times more often than “upskilling” or “retraining” in company reports. This is showing a clear preference for technological investment over human development.
Meanwhile, a separate survey by the Trades Union Congress revealed that half of UK workers fear AI could take or alter their jobs. Although the UK jobless rate has risen to a four-year high of 4.7%, economists do not directly attribute this to AI adoption. However, experts are warning that the booming valuations of AI firms may be creating a potential stock market bubble.
Reference
Partridge, J. (2025, October 9). Gen Z faces ‘job-pocalypse’ as global firms prioritise AI over new hires, report says. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/09/gen-z-face-job-pocalypse-as-global-firms-prioritise-ai-over-new-hires-report-says