Two-Thirds of Jobs at Risk of Obsolescence Due to AI
Almost 64% of jobs in Ireland will require significant reskilling due to the impact of artificial intelligence, a new report from Ibec warns.
This isn’t a distant threat: it’s a reality that businesses and individuals need to confront head-on. Ibec’s analysis, conducted in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), highlights the far-reaching consequences of AI on the labor market. The report emphasizes that automation and AI will displace tasks and skills, potentially leading to widespread job displacement.
The researchers identified sectors that are more vulnerable to AI-driven disruption, including customer service, data analysis, and bookkeeping.
Avoiding the Skills Gap
To mitigate the risks of AI-driven job displacement, Ibec recommends a focus on reskilling and upskilling programs. 45% of employers surveyed by Ibec believe that workers are not adequately equipped with the skills needed to work alongside AI systems. This is a concern that businesses and policymakers need to address with urgency.
A New Era of Work Requires Adaptation
What this means for workers, particularly those in the 45-54 age bracket, is that they may need to acquire new skills to remain relevant in the job market. For the 18-24 year-old demographic, it’s a chance to develop skills from the outset that are complementary to AI systems.
In reality, AI adoption is already underway in many sectors, from healthcare to finance. While AI has the potential to create new job opportunities, the pace of change demands strategic planning from employers and policymakers. By prioritizing reskilling and upskilling programs, workers can adapt to the changing job market and ensure they remain competitive in an economy where AI is increasingly prevalent.
