A mass survey of thousands of workers reveals almost half (48 per cent) are worried Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take their jobs. 

GMB Union’s poll of more than 5,000 workers [1] across a variety of sectors also show 58 per cent think AI will take away jobs in their workplace. 

Almost a third (29 per cent) said their employer has already introduced AI in their workplace, with a quarter (26 per cent) of those saying Artificial Intelligence is doing tasks that they would usually do. 

Nearly half (48 per cent) say bosses are using AI to track them or their colleague's activity. 

Just this week it was announced around 1,000 jobs at Asda’s George brand would be lost to AI and Automation. [2] 

Meanwhile many of 450 jobs losses at Nestle [3] look set to be replaced by AI. 

Nestle worker Robert Battell will discuss his experiences – and the findings of the survey – at GMB’s annual congress in Blackpool today [Monday]. 

Robert Battell, Nestle Worker, told GMB Congress: 

“It’s heartbreaking to see colleagues - friends - you’ve worked with for years lose their jobs and be replaced by robots. 

“That can’t be right, but that’s what’s happening at Nestle and many other businesses around the UK. 

“It’s a terrifying vision for the future, but it doesn’t have to be this way. 

“AI and robotics will change the world of work, just as much as the Industrial Revolution did. 

“AI is not the enemy, it genuinely can make work better, but we must have laws to protect workers from AI being used for wrong reasons by bad bosses. 

“It opens up incredibly opportunities but also carries huge risk.  

“We can’t just leave it to companies to do the right thing. As we all know, their priority will almost always be their bottom line. 

"The Government must legislate to protect workers’ jobs or guarantee retraining or redeployment when change is unavoidable. 

“That’s what needs to happen now, at Nestle, before hundreds of workers are left behind.” 

ENDS

Media enquiries: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

[1] GMB surveyed 5294 workers in May and June 2026 

Has your employer introduced any Artificial Intelligence technology in your workplace? 

Yes 28.94%  

Is Artificial Intelligence technology doing any tasks that you would usually do in your job? 

Yes 26.34%  

Is your company using Artificial Intelligence to track the activity of you or your colleagues during work-time or tasks? 

Yes 48.02%  

Are you concerned the introduction of AI in your workplace will lead you to lose your job? 

Yes 48.18%  

How do you think Artificial Intelligence technology will impact you and your colleagues?  

AI will take away jobs in my workplace 58.30% 

[2] Asda set to axe 1,000 jobs as supermarket expands use of robots in warehouses | ITV News 

[3]  Nestle plans to cut 450 jobs from UK sites - BBC News