19 August 2026

UK employers report AI creating jobs, but benefits skew toward large firms

  • 54% of UK employers say AI has led to job creation, with a quarter now hiring for AI skills roles.
  • Larger companies with over £10 million turnover have two-thirds of required AI skills already in-house.
  • Many employers are training existing staff rather than hiring new workers for AI positions from outside.

How it was covered

A Lloyds Business Barometer survey found 54% of UK employers say AI has led to job creation, with a quarter now hiring for AI skills and a fifth creating new AI-related roles. However, larger companies with turnover above £10 million are better positioned to benefit, as two-thirds already have required AI skills in-house, while many expand training for existing staff rather than hiring externally.