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The world of work is changing faster than ever, and the UK workforce is feeling it.
A lot has changed in 10 years, and a lot will change in the next.
The Future of Work and Learning Report, released to mark our 10th anniversary, looks at how the last decade has reshaped work, and what the next ten years may bring, including:
- The collapse of traditional “jobs for life” and the rise of portfolio careers
- Why AI literacy and human skills must now coexist
- How flexible, modular and stackable learning is becoming the new standard
- The risks of change fatigue, inequality and widening skills gaps
- What employers, educators and policymakers must do to build resilience
Industries are racing and workers are struggling to keep up
Nearly six in ten UK workers (58%) say their industry is changing faster than it was a decade ago. But despite widespread awareness of this acceleration, only 51% are actively upskilling.
As skills expire faster than ever, with the average half-life now under five years, and some becoming outdated in less than 12 months, the gap between change and readiness is widening.
Technology is the biggest threat to job relevance
Almost half of workers (47%) say technological disruption is the greatest threat to their long-term job relevance, ahead of economic instability (34%) and difficulties keeping pace with new skills (25%).
AI, automation and digital tools are no longer limited to specialist roles, as they’re becoming core requirements across industries, transforming jobs faster than traditional education and training models can adapt.
Learning is becoming essential, but unevenly adopted
For those who are upskilling, the motivation for doing so is clear: to stay relevant (65%). In fact, 73% of 25–34-year-olds are already actively reskilling.
However, the report uncovers a growing two-speed workforce. Older workers are far less likely to engage in learning, often citing time pressures, fatigue or a belief their current skills are “good enough”.
Without action, this divide risks leaving large parts of the workforce behind.
Continuous learning is no longer optional
As skills cycles compress and disruption becomes constant, relying on outdated education models, or assuming skills will last a lifetime, puts both individuals and the wider economy at risk.
This report is a call to action for workers, employers and educators alike.
Explore the full findings, insights and recommendations shaping the next decade of work and education.
