Issue 9
Viewpoint
survey · global
PwC survey: AI splits workers into four groups, and most are falling behind on training
PwC's 2026 global workforce survey, based on responses from about 50,000 workers, identified four groups in AI use. Nearly two-thirds of respondents have used AI at work, but fewer get training, so companies risk losing their best-prepared employees.
Who is affected and how
- employee
- Do not wait for your employer to provide training; build your own AI skills and document how you use them.
- manager
- Unequal access to training can push the best AI users to leave, so targeted retention is also needed.
- HR professional
- Extending learning opportunities to the majority is one of the most important tasks, because the gap also affects retention.
regulation · United States
California bans AI from making layoff decisions alone
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law at the end of September requiring human decision-making in layoffs, after an earlier veto. It also restricts AI-based workplace monitoring and meets most…
employeeIn California, a layoff cannot be based solely on AI, which gives workers new legal protection.HR professionalLayoff processes must include a human decision step and documentation.managerHuman review is mandatory for dismissals based on AI-driven performance evaluation.skills · globalEntry-level job ladder thins as the college premium weakens, analyses say
Analyses published at the end of September say AI is taking over part of entry-level work and the college premium is weakening, while demand for frontline workers is strong. Several articles also ask…
early-career professionalEntry-level positions are shrinking, so a record of practical work done with AI is worth more than a degree alone.managerIf organisations skip junior levels, the future senior pipeline will run short, so a deliberate training path is needed.HR professionalGraduate recruitment and internship programmes should be rethought so that places to learn do not disappear.job seekerDemand for foundational skills and frontline occupations is stronger than for graduate entry-level roles.survey · United StatesNBER study: AI has not yet raised unemployment among recent college graduates
A new NBER study finds that the unemployment rate of recent college graduates did not jump after the arrival of AI, several outlets reported on 28 September. The researchers compared them with young…
early-career professionalThe data suggest that early-career workers' weaker prospects cannot yet be attributed to AI, so job searches are best built on skills that can be acquired.job seekerThe study does not confirm mass displacement by AI, but researchers and trade outlets say the effect may still appear later.HR professionalEntry-level hiring plans are better based on facts: an AI effect cannot yet be detected in the aggregate data.managerEntry-level headcount planning should not be scaled back by citing AI, as the current data give no grounds for it.survey · United StatesCNN: AI could force 11 million US workers to change careers by 2035
An estimate says AI could force about 11 million US workers, roughly 6.5% of the current workforce, into new careers by 2035. Over the past two years the job market has been marked by low hiring and…
employeeCareer change is a large-scale risk, so it is worth building transferable skills now.HR professionalReskilling and internal mobility programmes should be sized for the expected wave of career changes.managerWorkforce planning must address the slow hiring environment and the reshuffling of skills together.Hungary
surveyHalf of Hungarians use AI to find information, but still look for jobs on job portalsjob seekerFew people yet rely on AI in their job search, so using AI tools alongside a job-portal presence can be a differentiator.HR professionalCandidates are reached mainly through job portals, so switching to AI channels is not yet warranted in recruitment.early-career professionalThe 18–29 age group uses AI most actively, and it is worth putting this to use in the job search too.skillsTraining gap: many firms roll out AI, but fewer workers receive trainingemployeeUse the free courses available to build AI skills tailored to your workplace tasks.HR professionalThe gap between rollout and training can be narrowed with dedicated learning time and measurable programmes.managerRolling out an AI tool without training and time does not result in actual use.caseAI adoption in Hungarian workplaces is largely unregulatedHR professionalGaps in regulation of AI adoption in Hungary are best handled with an internal policy.managerCommunication and training need attention during rollout, because the transition is hard.SME ownerWith regulation in flux, it is worth documenting AI use.surveyHungarian skilled trades: well-paid jobs without a degree that are hard to filljob seekerManual trades pay well and are less threatened by AI, so they can be an option for a career change.early-career professionalVocational training can offer good earnings prospects without a degree.SME ownerWith skills shortages, competition on pay and apprentice training are key issues.surveyEuropion Well-being Index: Hungarian workers fear stress more than AIemployeeWell-being matters in choosing a job, not only pay.HR professionalIn retention, stress management and well-being may matter more than addressing fears about AI.managerReducing stress is a tool for both productivity and retention.surveyHalf of Hungarian job seekers fear risks of AI-based recruitment; professionals distrust itjob seekerThe risk of automated screening must be taken into account, so CVs and applications are worth preparing for it.HR professionalDistrust is the main obstacle to AI use, so transparent processes and clear communication can help build trust.toolHR staff still spend half their time on administration despite AIHR professionalWorkflows must be put in order before adopting AI, otherwise administration will not fall.managerTo get a return on HR automation, invest in process design as well.regulationPay transparency: Grant Thornton says AI can help with complianceHR professionalAI can be used as support in analysing pay structures and preparing for pay transparency.SME ownerIt is worth starting now to sort out job roles and pay bands in preparation for a transparent pay system.skillsÓbuda University launches practical AI Act trainingHR professionalThe training can provide a basis for understanding compliance regarding AI tools used in recruitment and human resources.SME ownerTraining opportunities are available to prepare for regulatory compliance.
More key stories of the week
layoffs · United States
Tech layoffs pass 225,000 in 2026 as AI becomes the most-cited reason
According to Challenger, Gray data, 225,122 tech-sector workers have lost their jobs in 2026, and AI has become the most frequently cited reason. PayPal, for example, cut a further 251 jobs in San…
employeeEngineering and technology roles remain the focus of layoffs, so it is worth updating skills and building a financial reserve.managerCiting AI as the reason for layoffs is increasingly a closely watched question of communication and credibility.HR professionalOrganised redeployment and outplacement programmes may be needed in technology teams.layoffs · United StatesChallenger: job cuts citing AI affected only 3,961 people in September
According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 120,136 US job cuts have been attributed to AI so far in 2026, but only 3,961 in September, making it the fifth most common reason. Analysts say AI is more…
employeeThe current data do not yet confirm mass AI-driven layoffs; slower hiring poses the greater risk.HR professionalAI plays a bigger role in hiring plans than in layoffs, so headcount plans are best adjusted accordingly.job seekerThe hiring environment remains selective, with more applicants for fewer advertised positions.survey · globalWorkers want a legal duty on employers to disclose AI monitoring
A global survey finds that almost all workers want a legal requirement for employers to disclose AI-based monitoring. Most workers also oppose AI monitoring at work.
employeeAsk to be informed about monitoring, and know your rights.HR professionalSet up a transparent AI monitoring policy and notification process in advance, as both trust and the law call for it.managerCovert monitoring carries legal and trust risks.recruitment · AsiaIndia's white-collar hiring grows 2% in September while AI/ML jobs rise above 20%
India's white-collar hiring grew by only 2% in September, while AI/ML hiring rose above 20%. Traditional IT and entry-level hiring lost momentum.
early-career professionalTraditional entry-level IT positions are shrinking, so it is worth building on AI and specialist skills.job seekerHiring is becoming more selective, and demand for AI/ML skills is growing.HR professionalThe focus of recruitment is shifting towards specialist and AI roles.recruitment · globalAI broke the job application, CNBC reports, as experts seek new ways to assess candidates
CNBC reports that the résumé has been "broken" by AI, and experts are looking for new ways to assess candidates. Other articles cover the spread of AI screening and interviews, and what happens when…
job seekerGiven the screening filters, it is worth rethinking both résumé keywords and how personal the cover letter is.HR professionalRésumé-based screening needs to be supplemented with another assessment method, because AI-written applications blur the differences between candidates.SME ownerEven at a smaller company, it is worth keeping human review in the screening of applications.survey · globalSurveys: many workers hide or exaggerate their AI use, and do not check the output
One survey finds that nearly half of workers exaggerate their AI use, while another says about half also hide it. A further finding is that one in three employees rarely checks AI's work, and 83%…
employeeAI output must be checked, because the user is responsible for errors.managerHidden AI use creates error risks and data security problems, so clear rules are needed.HR professionalAn AI usage policy and an encouraging culture that reduces secrecy can help.regulation · United StatesAI raises interest in unions as employers remain unprepared
Littler's 2026 survey finds that employers fear AI will become a powerful argument in union campaigns, but most have not updated their labour-law strategies. Other data show that only 9% of…
HR professionalPlan communication on AI rollouts and consultation with employee representatives in advance.managerDiscuss AI with workers, because misinformation can strengthen organising efforts.employeeAI can also be negotiated through collective bargaining.platform change · globalLinkedIn updates its AI-powered hiring bot as its CEO discusses how AI is reshaping hiring
LinkedIn updated its AI-powered hiring bot on 30 September, and its CEO spoke about how hiring is changing. LinkedIn's HR leader also outlined what the recruiter of the future looks like.
HR professionalThe platform's AI tools are reshaping the recruiter workflow, so it is worth testing them and preparing for the new role.job seekerA LinkedIn profile matters more and more in AI-based candidate search, so it is worth keeping up to date.case · United StatesAI labour disputes: Kaiser Permanente deal, Seattle Times picket, Montefiore
Employers can learn from Kaiser Permanente's labour agreement on AI, while Seattle Times journalists are picketing for AI protections. According to the union, about a dozen nurses at Montefiore in…
employeeContractual AI protections can be won, so it is worth putting them in a collective agreement.HR professionalThe Kaiser agreement can serve as a model for AI rollout frameworks agreed with employee representatives.managerDisplacement caused by AI leads to union disputes.recruitment · globalDraup: AI builder roles account for 27% of tech demand as companies rethink hiring
A Draup report says AI builder roles account for 27% of tech demand, as companies rethink hiring. According to China Daily, AI proficiency is becoming a basic requirement for tech jobs.
employeeIn tech roles, proficiency in building and applying AI is increasingly a baseline expectation.job seekerIn tech job listings, AI-building skills are prominent.HR professionalA new competency profile is needed to measure and advertise AI skills.survey · globalAI skills show up in IT pay, but raises mostly go to senior roles
Several articles published between late September and early October report that AI skills are now visible in salaries. In the IT sector, pay rises mainly benefit senior roles.
employeeAI skills can bring a pay premium, but mainly for more experienced staff.50+/seniorIn IT, senior roles gain the most from the pay effect of AI skills.HR professionalPay bands and salary negotiations need to account for the market premium on AI skills.survey · globalAI is pushing more people into managerial work without a pay rise
An article published on 4 October says AI is leading more people to take on managerial tasks, without a pay rise. The excerpt does not detail the background of the survey.
employeeIf AI gives you managerial duties, raise this in role and pay negotiations.managerReassigning tasks without adjusting pay can breed dissatisfaction.HR professionalJob descriptions and pay must be aligned with the tasks that AI has changed.In brief
skillsSkills erosion: AI limits learning and raises questions over training of new entrantsearly-career professionalAlongside relying on AI, you should deliberately practise core skills.managerMentoring and deliberate task allocation should not be left to AI.HR professionalDevelopment programmes should include building skills alongside AI.layoffsGartner: 30% of workers laid off because of AI to be rehired by 2029employeeAn AI-attributed layoff is not always permanent; keeping your experience and contacts can help you return.managerHasty AI-driven job cuts can bring rehiring costs that have to be paid later.HR professionalIt is worth keeping in touch with departing staff, as forced rehiring may mean they are needed again.regulationUK minister: plan needed for 'unprecedented' AI job lossesemployeeGovernment scenario planning signals that AI job loss is a political risk, but no concrete measures exist yet.HR professionalWatch the UK regulatory direction, as it may bring workforce-transition obligations.regulationEU AI rules follow HR content across borders as AI Office inspections target hiringHR professionalAI tools used in recruitment should be reviewed against the rules for high-risk applications.managerFor cross-border operations, EU rules can impose requirements regardless of where the company is based.job seekerDespite the delay, EU-level protection against automated screening is expected.caseData-harvesting "ghost" interviews and employer ghosting make job hunting harderjob seekerIt is worth checking that an interview invitation is genuine and not sharing personal data unnecessarily.HR professionalLeaving candidates without feedback and using interviews to collect data both damage the employer brand.caseFortune 500 HR chiefs: AI has killed the org chart, and 'unlearning' is keymanagerPrepare for more flexible, skills-based organisational structures instead of fixed hierarchies.employeeLetting go of old ways of working and learning new ones is a condition of staying relevant.HR professionalOrganisational design and skills-based workforce planning need to be rethought.layoffsEstimates of India's GCC layoffs range from 5,000 to 30,000 jobs as AI shifts hiring prioritiesemployeeFor GCC employees, building AI-related skills can reduce the risk.HR professionalThe layoffs need to be managed alongside new AI-centred hiring plans.surveyBLS analysis: more than 200,000 creative jobs lost in the US since 2022employeeCreative professions are seeing mass job losses during the AI boom, so it is worth diversifying skills.early-career professionalEntry-level creative positions are shrinking, so it is worth building on a portfolio and knowledge of AI tools.regulationClass action targets Eightfold AI candidate scores over consumer-report statusHR professionalFor recruitment tools that use AI scores, check the legal classification and candidate disclosure obligations.job seekerIf the score were treated as a consumer report, candidates' rights to access and dispute it could be strengthened.agencyAI agents in the workplace: unpreparedness and the question of 'agent HR'HR professionalManaging AI agents will require new rules on permissions, accountability and shutdown.managerWhen deploying agents, accountability and human review must be clarified.employeeAlongside digital colleagues, the value of human supervisory and oversight roles may grow.surveyFord CEO and Anthropic study: AI to complement blue-collar work, not replace itemployeeIn physical trades AI is more of a tool, though routine tasks may shift to robots.early-career professionalSkilled-trade careers look more stable against AI over the longer term.surveyMap: where US jobs are most exposed to AIemployeeAI exposure differs by region and occupation, so it is worth checking how exposed your own position is.HR professionalIn regional planning, AI exposure data can help identify the workforce at risk.caseDisney seeks AI enablement director and suggests AI for annual reviewsemployeeAI is now being suggested even for preparing performance reviews, so it is worth knowing the rules.HR professionalInvolving AI in reviews raises fairness and data-protection questions.surveyLinkedIn: women take about a quarter of new AI jobsHR professionalBecause women are under-represented in AI roles, targeted programmes are needed in recruitment.employeeAI skills and roles are open to women, but disadvantages at entry must be taken into account.toolEsker treats AI as an employee cost as workers also spend their own money on itemployeeIf you pay out of pocket for AI tools used at work, it is worth clarifying expense reimbursement.managerAI costs should also be planned as part of headcount costs.HR professionalSupport for AI tools can become part of the benefits package.toolHiringCafe raises $6.8M and launches AI talent agent for job seekersjob seekerAgent-based job search is a new tool, but check its data handling before using it.HR professionalCandidates reaching more jobs through AI agents may change the number and quality of applications.surveyNearly half of companies already profit from AI and are redesigning workmanagerWhere AI pays off, redesigning workflows is the next step.HR professionalPrepare for the reorganisation of roles and tasks, and for skills development.caseLagarde: AI is already reshaping the labour market, but impact depends on how firms use itmanagerThe impact on jobs depends on how AI is introduced, so deliberate planning matters.employeeAI's impact on the labour market is not predetermined.surveyStudy: AI-enabled tools may help narrow the wage gap for workers with disabilitiesemployeeAI tools may also bring a wage advantage for people with disabilities.HR professionalAccessible AI tools can support inclusive workplace practices.skillsOttawa funds 10,000 AI work placements for young Canadiansearly-career professionalFunded AI placements are opening for young Canadians as a way into the workforce.HR professionalGovernment support is available for placement programmes.