UPDATE: Police in Cornwall are urgently searching for a masked vandal caught on CCTV spraying “AI will take our jobs” across several sites in the villages of Polbathic, Widegates, and Crafthole. This provocative act raises critical questions about the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, sparking heated debate about a possible jobs apocalypse.
As AI technology rapidly evolves, fears about its potential to displace human workers are escalating. A recent response from ChatGPT suggests that while fears of AI replacing jobs are common with any major technological advancement, history shows these technologies often create more opportunities than they eliminate.
Despite this, concerns are palpable. Many workers fear that businesses will prefer AI over human employees due to cost efficiency and productivity. According to TotalJobs, mentions of tech-related skills in UK job adverts surged by 12% between 2024 and 2025. Additionally, one in four recruiters now ranks AI as the most valuable skill in determining pay and promotions.
The employment landscape is shifting dramatically. Reports show that two-thirds of tech workers received pay raises within the last year, significantly outpacing the national average. Furthermore, research by Robert Half indicates that 56% of UK firms are planning to expand their tech teams in the first half of 2026.
However, not all experts agree with the narrative of an AI-driven job crisis. Analysts from Oxford Economics express skepticism about the rapid replacement of workers with AI, particularly in sectors with high potential for disruption. Their recent note emphasizes that companies do not appear to be replacing human workers with AI on a large scale. They argue that if AI were indeed replacing jobs at a significant rate, we would see a corresponding increase in labor productivity.
Currently, rising employment taxes and increased labor costs are highlighted as more significant contributors to unemployment than AI. The masked graffiti artist’s message may resonate with many, but the complexities of the job market suggest a more nuanced situation.
As the debate continues, it remains crucial for workers, businesses, and policymakers to monitor developments in AI technology closely. The graffiti incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for discussions about the future of work in an AI-dominated landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story, as the implications of AI on employment continue to unfold.
