Construction set to lose ‘567,670 jobs at the hands of automation’

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A new report published by Arden University has found that the construction industry is set to lose 567,670 jobs at the hands of automation and technological advances in the workplace.

The 2030 Workforce Report also found that by 2030, 30% of all jobs in the UK could be eradicated due to automation changing the workforce.

As more jobs begin to involve working alongside or in tandem with new technologies, the research suggests that only a minority of employees are currently up to speed and comfortable working with developing digital technology.

In the construction sector, it found that 20% of people felt they had a digital skills gap and weren’t prepared for the technological changes at hand.

Carl Lygo, CEO and Vice Chancellor at Arden University says, “As automation begins to play a greater role in economic production, it will disrupt these industries the most significantly, with the effects being felt across society and the nation’s economy.

“Upskilling is most urgent – particularly for the employees who may not have the digital skills to prepare them for the evolving jobs of the future. It is now up to educational institutions to ensure they are teaching and preparing the next generation for the jobs of the future and not solely for the jobs of today.”