Member Article

More than a third of North West jobs could be automated

Transferrable skills, such as active listening, complex problem solving and the ability to exercise judgement will drive the next generation of job roles, according to Deloitte’s latest Power Up report.

The report analysed the UK regions in terms of skill level, salary, share of job growth and probability of automation between occupations. Despite recording a higher skill level than the national average, the report found that 36 per cent of occupations in the North West could become automated.

Occupations that require lower skill levels have seen a net decrease by 530,000 jobs. These occupations are characterised by manual, clerical, administrative and repetitive tasks. In contrast, job roles requiring a higher level of transferable skills have seen a net increase of 1.9m jobs between 2001 and 2016.

The latest findings show that advancements in technology are causing many workers to fear that their jobs will be displaced and that they may not have the skills required to find alternative employment.

Richard Bell, Practice Senior Partner for Deloitte in the North West, said: “The latest Power Up report highlights a shifting attitude towards desirable qualities in a potential job candidate. Rather than focusing on academic achievement and sector expertise, it is crucial that training the next generation of workers for multiple roles and developing genuinely transferable skills becomes a focal point.

“The North West is in a prime position for this change in attitude. With some of the largest corporations in the region partnering with the universities, and a vast range of apprenticeship and graduate programmes available, students can prioritise these skills and prepare to face these new working practices, which will in turn boost productivity and job growth in the region.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, strategic adviser to Deloitte UK and former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, added: “In order to unlock potential in the regions, there is also a need for investment in infrastructure and to promote and support new growth industries right across the UK.

“How the UK economy responds to the challenges of a changing labour market and the requirement to strengthen our competitiveness has never been more important. How we focus more on place will in my view become increasingly important in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pablo Rodriguez .