The Future of Jobs: global outlook
“The Future of Jobs Report 2025 brings together the perspective of over 1,000 leading global employers—collectively representing more than 14 million workers…” and projects that “170 million new jobs will be created and 92 million will be displaced, leaving a net increase of 78 million jobs.” The report also finds that “job disruption will equate to 22% of jobs by 2030.” World Economic Forum
Local examples and occupations at risk
Research has suggested “nearly a million jobs in London could be changed by AI, affecting more than 200,000 telemarketers, 150,000 bookkeepers and more than 95,000 data entry specialists.” The analysis named other jobs at risk including fast food and warehouse workers, retail cashiers, paralegals and proofreaders. BBC
What Microsoft Research found about tasks and occupations
“We analyze a dataset of 200k anonymized and privacy-scrubbed conversations between users and Microsoft Bing Copilot… We find the most common work activities people seek AI assistance for involve gathering information and writing, while the most common activities that AI itself is performing are providing information and assistance, writing, teaching, and advising.” The study computes an “AI applicability score for each occupation” and reports the highest scores for “knowledge work occupation groups such as computer and mathematical, and office and administrative support, as well as occupations such as sales whose work activities involve providing and communicating information.” Microsoft Research
Policy, preparedness and regional concerns
“Nepal is still in the early stages of using AI tools and technologies and has as such been a laggard in establishing AI regulation… The absence of even minimal AI regulations is concerning.” The editorial calls for updating digital policies, investing in regulation and skilling, and equipping departments with resources to manage AI risks. The Kathmandu Post
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact could rapid AI adoption have on jobs in your city or country?
- Do you agree with the sectors highlighted as most exposed (knowledge work, office support, sales, clerical roles)? Why or why not?
- How should employers and policymakers balance AI-driven efficiency with job security and retraining needs?
- What practical steps should organisations take now to upskill staff and reduce unequal impacts across gender or region?