One in five fears AI redundancy

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

A survey by the Australian Services Union found that over 20 percent of white-collar workers fear AI could eliminate their jobs within three years, with 51.3 percent expecting significant changes to their roles due to AI adoption. The findings highlight urgent calls for enhanced worker protections, including mandatory notices for job displacement and improved access to AI training, as the technology becomes more widespread in workplaces.

A recent survey by the Australian Services Union (ASU) reveals growing concerns among white-collar workers about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security. According to the findings, over 20 percent of surveyed workers fear that AI could render their positions redundant within the next three years, while 44 percent expressed concern about potential job losses over the coming decade.

The survey, conducted among employees in sectors at the forefront of AI adoption—including administrative and clerical staff, call centre operators, legal professionals, and information technology workers—also found a significant shift in attitudes compared to the previous year. More than half (51.3 percent) of respondents now expect AI to substantially change their roles, a marked increase from 39.9 percent reported twelve months earlier.

AI integration in workplaces has grown, with usage reported by 78.5 percent of respondents, up from 73 percent in 2025. Despite this rise, only about one-third of workplaces offer any form of AI training (32.5 percent), and roughly the same proportion provide consultation to employees regarding AI implementation (33.2 percent). The proportion of workers who have never used AI declined from 27.2 percent to 19.7 percent over the year.

Concerns about job displacement are significant, with 43 percent of ASU members agreeing or strongly agreeing that AI could make their jobs redundant in the next decade, and 22.5 percent holding the same view for the next three years. Reflecting these anxieties, nearly three-quarters (73.7 percent) of respondents strongly support a minimum of six months’ notice for workers who lose their jobs due to AI.

The survey also highlighted some positive effects of AI on work conditions. The most frequently reported benefit was that AI allowed workers to be freed up for other tasks (21.4 percent), followed by more manageable workloads (17.9 percent).

ASU national secretary Emeline Gaske emphasized the need for stronger worker protections amid the rapid AI transformation. She called on employers to provide six months’ paid notice to employees displaced by AI and to offer two months’ notice for changes to shift rostering. Gaske criticized the allocation of profits generated by AI advancements, stating that workers who contributed to the outputs underlying AI deserve to share in the gains rather than CEOs benefiting disproportionately.

The survey underscores an ongoing debate about how best to integrate AI into workplaces while safeguarding employee rights and ensuring access to adequate training and support.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.