New workplace research from Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, finds that white-collar roles are under greater threat from generative AI than blue-collar roles, as the technology takes a greater foothold in the global economy.

The latest instalment of Pearson’s Skills Outlook series looks at ‘Gen AI Proof Jobs’ – analysing the impact of generative AI on more than 5000 jobs in five countries – Australia, Brazil, India, the US and UK.

Looking specifically at the time spent on individual tasks in a working week, the research shows that around 30% of some white-collar roles could be done by generative AI.  The findings also showed that less than 1% of time spent on tasks involved in many blue-collar jobs could be done by generative AI.

Many of the most affected white-collar roles contain repetitive tasks – such as scheduling appointments or answering and directing calls – that could be easily replicated by generative AI. The white-collar roles that are most generative AI-proof tend to be the ones involving tasks related to mathematics, like engineers. Generative AI is currently notoriously inaccurate at maths computations, making those jobs a little more AI-proof for the time being. 

On the flip side, many blue-collar roles – such as landscapers, mechanics, or construction workers – include manual labour or customer service elements that can’t easily be replicated by generative AI.

In the UK the most impacted jobs are (by % of time spent on tasks that can be automated or augmented by generative AI):

White Collar Jobs

1. Medical Secretaries: -41%
2. Communication Operators: -40%
3. Book-keepers, Payroll Managers and Wages Clerks: -39%
4. Typists and Related Keyboard Occupations: -39%
5. Financial Administrative Occupations: -38%

Blue Collar Jobs

1. Buyers and Procurement Officers: -27%
2. Restaurant and Catering Establishment Managers and Proprietors: -23%
3. Catering and Bar Managers: -22%
4. Leisure and Sports Managers: -21%
5. Chemical and Related Process Operatives: -21%

Mike Howells, President, Pearson Workforce Skills, said:

“As employees look to the future, understanding which jobs are at risk from AI allows them to prepare. They should also consider where new roles might be created by Gen AI. Workers and employers should look at how they can ride this wave of change by using the best of AI and the best of human skills together – whether that is using the technology to take over repetitive tasks, so people can focus on high value activities, or enhancing those uniquely human skills like creativity, communication and leadership.“

The least impacted jobs are:

White Collar Jobs

1. Civil Engineers: -9%
2. Chief Executives and Senior Officials: -10%
3. Sales Related Occupations: -10%
4. Managers and Directors in Transport and Distribution: -12%
5. Non-Comissioned Officers and Other Military Roles: -12%

Blue Collar Jobs

1. Launderers, Dry Cleaners and Pressers: 0%
2. Painters and Decorators: 0%
3. Groundsmen and Greenkeepers: 0%
4. Gardeners and Landscape Gardeners: 0%
5. Glaziers, Window Fabricators and Fitters: 0%