Half of workers worry AI will still take their job — as new report claims use of agents soars 90% in just a year | Tech Radar

Overview

News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Details

Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards.

Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.

Half of workers worry AI will still take their job — as new report claims use of agents soars 90% in just a year

Workers increasingly fear AI job losses as agent use rises

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Nearly half of UK workers fear job losses, but agent usage continues to grow

Workers are also worried about workplace monitoring

Human oversight remains key, but worker retraining is a must

New data from GMB Union has revealed that nearly half (48%) of UK workers worry AI will take their job amid broader AI rollouts, which could be reducing uptake.

Nearly a third (29%) said their employers have introduced AI tools, with a quarter (26%) noting that artificial intelligence is now performing tasks they would normally do themselves, fueling the fears.

But beyond administrative support and potential job automation, a clear misunderstanding of the tech could be driving other workplace fears.

Workers concerned about job cuts despite increasing AI adoption

For example, nearly half (48%) believe AI is being used to monitor or track them, introducing new surveillance and performance monitoring fears.

GMB likens its findings to previous shifts like the advent of the internet – union reps argue AI could actually improve productivity, noting that displaced workers should get the support, training and opportunities they deserve.

'Some of our employees fear job loss, and it turns them away from AI altogether': AI is helping boost productivity for some workers — but others still say they're afraid to use it

Nearly two-thirds of workers say they've exaggerated AI skills to get ahead

Many firms don't know what their workers are sharing with AI tools

The union pointed to two recent local layoffs in the UK, including around 1,000 jobs at Asda’s George division and 450 jobs at Nestlé. These examples, as well as the more than 117,000 tech workers that have been laid off already in 2026 (via layoffs.fyi), put meat on the bones of workers’ fears.

“We can’t just leave it to companies to do the right thing. As we all know, their priority will almost always be their bottom line,” one worker told GMB.

“The Government must legislate to protect workers’ jobs or guarantee retraining or redeployment when change is unavoidable.”

Separate Stack Overflow research also points toward growing AI adoption, noting a 90% year-over-year increase from 31% to 59%, as well as a 164% rise in daily use, indicative of more frequent use and higher trust.

However, even as employers start to integrate autonomous AI agents, the report highlights just how important human workers remain. Three in five rarely or never let agents complete tasks without human oversight (63%).

'AI adoption has become a game of chance': Employees are being left to navigate AI tools on their own as businesses fail to implement proper training

Is this the tipping point for AI at work? New Gallup survey finds half of all US employees now use it in some way

More and more workers say they'd be happy with an AI boss — but don't expect it to give them a raise any time soon

A similar number (60%) prevent agents from making unapproved system changes, too, with the rise of systems like Claude Code and Codex capable of greater autonomy.

Fears over immediate job losses are also written off, with companies still struggling with the same hurdles they’ve been facing for years, implying AI’s effects on workers could be years away yet. Around four in five are concerned about AI accuracy (82%) and security/privacy risks (77%).

Things could be changing though, with companies beginning to be less worried about the same things they’ve been worried about for years. Though cost still serves as a major barrier for 38%, it’s down from 53% last year.

But even as AI adoption climbs, other studies have suggested we might not be at risk after all.

Separate research from the World Economic Forum expects 170 million new jobs to be created by 2030, even though 92 million could be displaced. With disruption estimated to affect 22% of workers, it could be more about repositioning roles and retraining workers than losing humans altogether.

Looking ahead, the WEF sees AI, data, networks, cybersecurity and technological literacy in general as the most in-demand skills.

Follow Tech Radar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

1 Stream the World Cup everywhere — AT&T debuts unlimited i Pad e SIM offer for $3-a-day with 'no contracts or subscriptions'

2 How Mc Laren and Iron Mountain are restoring heritage racing media together

3 Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite review: a clever, affordable Matter lock with a few sharp edges

4 Microsoft rolls out Copilot AI tools to over half a million NHS England staff

5 Prime member? You can already get $335 in free perks ahead of Prime Day 2026 — here are the 8 best to claim before the event

Tech Radar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Key Takeaways

News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards