The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the United Kingdom has grown significantly over the past year, yet many workers remain in the early stages of using the technology or have not incorporated it into their professional skill sets, according to recent data and industry insights. As AI continues to reshape the workforce, government and private sector initiatives are intensifying efforts to close the country’s widening AI skills gap.

A report compiled by Google and Public First indicates that 73 percent of the British public used AI in the last year, a sharp rise from 34 percent in 2025. Despite this growth, nearly half of the workforce has only experimented with AI or used it for basic tasks, while just 37 percent rely on it as a consistent tool in their daily work. The most advanced users, categorized as “trailblazers,” who constitute the top 15 percent, reportedly benefit from faster promotions, pay increases, and a weekly time saving of almost eight hours. The findings suggest that while AI to some extent is being adopted, a majority of individuals are not yet leveraging it for substantial professional gains.

The government has responded by raising its AI upskilling target, now aiming to train 10 million workers in AI competencies by 2030, up from an earlier goal of 7.5 million. However, current figures show that just one in six businesses has fully integrated AI technologies, and only about 20 percent of people feel confident using AI tools. Industry experts emphasize that acquiring AI skills is becoming critical, likening it to a foundational competency such as mathematics or English.

Matt Candy, IBM’s global managing partner for strategy and transformation, highlights the urgency of embedding AI capabilities within organizations. He points out that hiring alone cannot meet the demand, as it would drive up costs, making internal training essential for companies to adapt to evolving job roles shaped by AI.

In this context, education providers like Pearson are developing innovative solutions. The multinational company has been using AI to enhance learning for over two decades but is now advancing towards a more integrated AI-powered platform. This system combines human expertise with AI assistants and interactive tools to provide personalised, continuous learning experiences rather than one-time courses. Pearson’s platform leverages IBM’s watsonx technology, including advanced governance frameworks to ensure accuracy and build trust in AI-driven education.

The partnership between IBM and Pearson represents a broader strategic approach to workforce transformation, focusing on co-investment in technology and content. They aim to create adaptable education models that support ongoing AI skill development, reflecting the rapid pace of AI advancement in the workplace.

Additionally, IBM is working to extend AI training beyond corporate settings. It has committed to training two million learners this year and 30 million by 2030 through collaborations with universities, online platforms, and community initiatives such as Mission 44, a foundation founded by Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. This program targets disadvantaged youth to provide hands-on experience in AI and STEM fields linked to industries like motorsport.

Both government targets and private sector efforts underline the recognition that developing AI literacy is key to ensuring broad-based economic growth and enabling workers to thrive in a changing labor market. As AI continues to transform industries, investment in skills development remains a priority for the UK’s future competitiveness.