Issue 14
Viewpoint
survey · global
Gartner predicts 30% of AI-related layoffs will require rehiring by 2029
Gartner says that 30% of layoffs attributed to AI will have to be followed by rehiring by 2029. A US and UK survey found that nearly one in five workers laid off because of AI were asked back by their former employer, and the Guardian reports that Meta has also reversed part of its agent-related layoff plans.
Who is affected and how
- employee
- After a layoff attributed to AI there is a chance of being called back, so it is worth preserving your negotiating position and your contacts.
- manager
- Cutting jobs for AI too early can mean costlier rehiring and a loss of knowledge later, and this should be priced in before the decision.
- HR professional
- In the exit process, it is worth setting terms that do not block a later recall.
case · global
Binance says North Korean hackers used fake job interviews and an internal AI tool in $6.3 billion theft
Binance's incident report says the $6.3 billion theft of 29 October involved a tampered coding tool, a fake recruitment process and an internal AI tool. Separately, Truecaller's head of HR warns of…
HR professionalCandidate and offer verification, and checks on the tools used during interviews, should be built into the recruitment process.job seekerRun a coding task or download a tool sent by an unknown company only from a verified source, because the interview itself can be an attack channel.skills · globalAI is rewriting entry-level work, putting the junior talent pipeline and career ladder at risk
International articles say AI is taking over entry-level tasks, undermining companies' talent pipelines and graduates' chances to gain practical experience. A Microsoft executive describes the career…
early-career professionalDirecting and checking AI tools has become the entry-level task; this is the skill to demonstrate.HR professionalRedesign junior programmes, or the later leadership pipeline will suffer.managerOnce entry-level tasks are automated, learning opportunities must be organised deliberately.survey · United StatesUS labor market stays strong in October, with white-collar hiring holding up
The US added 165,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%. Professional and business services added 70,000 jobs, and tech employment rebounded thanks to AI jobs.
job seekerWhite-collar demand is alive, but economists say the skill profile in demand is changing under the influence of AI.HR professionalCompetition for AI roles is strong, and there is no collapse in general white-collar hiring plans.employeeThe macro data do not confirm mass AI-driven job losses, but skills are being revalued.recruitment · globalAI takes over the first job interview: many candidates drop out, yet companies keep rolling it out
A survey finds that 29% of employed job seekers have quit an AI interview. CNBC reports that candidates should also expect questions about AI, as more companies hand recruitment to machines.
job seekerPrepare for AI interviews and for questions about your use of AI.HR professionalAI interviews lead to candidate drop-out, so candidate experience should be measured.SME ownerAI recruiting assistants are appearing for the holiday season, but without human oversight they are risky.Hungary
surveyTwo-thirds of Hungarian workers using AI for work also use personal devicesHR professionalA policy, an approved list of tools and training are needed, because uncontrolled use is a data-protection risk.managerShadow AI use in the team should be mapped rather than driven underground by a ban.employeePutting workplace data into a personal AI tool can breach rules and create a data-protection risk.surveyFear, lack of training and limited decision-making power slow workplace AI adoption in HungaryHR professionalWithout budget and decision-making authority, change management fails; this must be pressed for at senior management level.managerClear expectations, time and training are needed for tool rollouts, otherwise staff turnover rises.employeeTo cope with uncertainty, ask for clear expectations and training on AI use.surveyAI is shrinking entry-level jobs and hitting Hungarian graduatesearly-career professionalJunior positions are shrinking, so it is hard to get in without internship and project experience and familiarity with AI tools.HR professionalEliminating entry-level positions also narrows the talent pipeline; junior programmes are worth rethinking.managerIf no juniors are hired, internal succession will be lacking later.surveyHungarian firms' AI use is growing, but only about a tenth of companies use itSME ownerAdoption is still at an early stage; AI use can be a competitive advantage, and construction is the fastest-growing area.employeeAI is becoming part of everyday work, and because digitalisation is incomplete, rollouts can fail on internal operational problems.recruitmentJob searches in Hungary take almost a year as recruitment polarisesjob seekerAmong CVs smoothed out by AI and all alike, only unique, concrete achievements stand out.HR professionalBecause the materials have become uniform, screening needs new assessment methods such as tasks and interviews.surveyHungarian HR leaders' main concerns: demographics, AI, pay transparency and reskillingHR professionalPay transparency, reskilling and AI adoption all weigh on the agenda at once, so priorities must be set.managerRethinking the human role in the age of AI is also a main topic at Hungarian HR forums.toolYettel uses software robots to replace repetitive administrative workemployeeRepetitive administrative tasks can be automated, so it is worth moving towards oversight and exception-handling roles.SME ownerRPA is not necessarily AI, but administrative time can be measurably reduced.
More key stories of the week
skills · global
Demand for AI skills grows across professions, and employers pay for them
Coursera's 2026 skills report, along with reports on real estate, legal and local labour markets, point to rising demand for AI skills. An analysis of 390 job postings found that for AI engineers…
job seekerSpecific AI-related skills (LLMs, agents, evaluation) are prominent requirements in job postings.employeeAI competence can bring a pay premium, for example in the legal field.HR professionalUpdate the skills profile of positions with AI requirements.survey · globalRegular AI users work more: mental load and time spent fixing "AI slop" rise
In BCG research covering 14 markets and 11,749 workers, 41% of regular AI users reported growing mental load. Other studies find AI users work up to 90 minutes longer a day and spend a day a week…
employeeAI does not automatically reduce working hours; checking outputs also takes time.managerWhen measuring productivity, also measure time spent on corrections, and set limits against pressure to speed up.HR professionalMonitoring burnout risk and workload is a new HR task.layoffs · European UnionSUSE to cut about 10% of its workforce, citing AI and automation
The CEO of the German Linux company, Dirk-Peter van Leeuwen, told employees on Monday that SUSE will part with about 10% of its workforce because of AI and automation. The company was founded in 1992.
employeeIn the software industry, layoffs openly attributed to AI are no longer exceptional, so it is worth assessing how automatable your own role is.HR professionalHow the rationale is communicated and how affected staff are supported (retraining, outplacement) are the key issues in a layoff.survey · United StatesUS October layoffs at three-year low as seasonal hiring plans rise 26%
Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that AI was cited for 1,265 job cuts in October, the lowest monthly figure this year, bringing AI citations so far this year to 121,401. Seasonal hiring plans…
employeeAhead of the holidays, employers are more likely to keep their existing staff.job seekerA 26 percent increase in seasonal recruitment plans opens transitional and entry-level opportunities.HR professionalAI citations account for roughly a fifth of all layoffs announced this year, a reference figure for internal communication.layoffs · United StatesMicrosoft offers voluntary exit packages to about 60,000 employees
Microsoft made a voluntary exit offer to a significant share of its workforce, then priced a $25 billion bond issue to finance AI. Analysts say that in such an AI-efficiency year, vacated positions…
employeeBefore accepting a buyout, consider whether the vacated position will be backfilled with AI and by the team taking over its work.HR professionalHidden headcount reduction (positions not advertised) is now an organisational practice that should be factored into planning.regulation · United StatesNew York City clarifies employer liability for AI-assisted hiring decisions
New York City has clarified that employers are liable for AI-assisted hiring decisions. Legal analyses say that deploying automated tools also raises the risk of disparate-impact and disability-based…
HR professionalSelection outcomes of AI screening tools must be audited; liability cannot be shifted to the vendor.SME ownerEven with hiring software from suppliers, the employer is responsible for the decision.job seekerAn automated decision may give legal grounds for an objection.survey · globalLittle evidence that AI is behind mass job losses or the fall in youth hiring
A Statistics Canada study says AI is not necessarily to blame for the decline in youth hiring. Other analyses find no mass AI-driven layoffs yet, and the IMF's Asia director says the picture is more…
HR professionalBase workforce planning on data, not headlines.managerCheck job cuts attributed to AI, because other factors, such as interest rates and costs, also play a part.employeeFear currently outweighs the measurable impact, but skills are being revalued.layoffs · globalMore tech companies cut jobs, citing AI shift and cost reduction
Pinterest plans to cut up to 15% of its workforce, about 700 people, as resources are redirected to AI roles; Galapagos is cutting 9%, NICE about 5% (roughly 500 people), and Bria 20 of its 60 staff…
employeeIn the tech sector, resources are being shifted to AI roles, so skills close to AI help protect your position.HR professionalAmid the layoff waves, investors are divided on AI-linked cost cuts, which is a communication risk.case · globalWhite-collar workers quit careers over AI fears or seek 'AI-proof' jobs
Reports say a growing number of white-collar workers are leaving their careers because of fear of AI. An Australian NAB employee fears they spent three years training their own replacement in India.
employeeBefore changing careers, assess how automatable the tasks are and the risk of offshoring.HR professionalPremature resignations are a retention risk that transparent communication about AI can reduce.survey · AsiaAI squeezes fresh graduates' prospects across Asia
In Malaysia, fresh graduates struggle to find entry-level jobs despite low unemployment of 2.9%, and AI is squeezing graduates in China too. India's IT lobby chief says graduates may struggle to find…
early-career professionalRoles that require no experience are weakening, so familiarity with AI tools and a practical project are an advantage.HR professionalRethinking university partnerships and entry-level programmes helps protect the talent pipeline.layoffsCanva announces layoffs and job changes affecting 22% of its workforce
The design software company announced layoffs for the first time: 22% of employees will lose their jobs, have their roles changed or be asked to relocate. In August the company cut its 2026 revenue…
employeeRole changes and forced relocation are a softer form of layoff, and you should be prepared for these too.managerWith growth slowing and AI competition rising, cost-side restructuring is now a common step even at tech companies.case · globalAnthropic CEO warns AI could erase a large share of entry-level jobs as company heads to Wall Street
Anthropic is heading to Wall Street, and its CEO is warning about the loss of office jobs. According to one report, AI could affect 50% of white-collar jobs within five years.
early-career professionalLeaders of AI developers say entry-level jobs are the most exposed.managerIn workforce planning, treat the warning as a scenario, not as a fact.In brief
agencyAI agents are taking over HR processes, but who governs them?HR professionalThe agents' scope of authority, logging and the responsible human must be set in advance.managerWhen automating with agents, a clear chain of accountability is a precondition for rollout.toolApple cuts internal AI usage budgets to reduce spendingemployeeUse of AI tools may be subject to a spending cap, so efficient use and documenting that use matter.managerAI cost is now a budget item that must be planned at team level as well.survey26% of US workers used paid AI services for work last weekHR professionalThe gap between usage and real reliance is the starting point for a training plan.managerThe share of regular, daily users is a better yardstick than the number of tool licences.survey85% of UAE workers use AI at work, but 67% fear it will replace their jobsemployeeEven with high usage, uncertainty is widespread, so it is worth building skills.HR professionalBecause use and fear coexist, acceptance stays weak without communication and training.toolAnthropic lets managers monitor employees' Claude usageemployeeWorkplace AI use can be tracked, so you need to know what managers can see.HR professionalTransparency and data-protection rules are needed before monitoring is introduced.managerUsage data is good for steering training; used for performance ratings, it creates a trust risk.regulationProspect union signs access agreement with Google UK covering 7,000 workersemployeeFollowing the overhaul of UK employment law, organising is possible at tech companies too.HR professionalHandling union access agreements is a new HR-legal task.managerWith a union presence, AI adoption must also be discussed with representatives.skillsHR backs AI reskilling, but half of firms still hire outside for AI skillsemployeeDespite the promise of internal reskilling, external hiring remains strong, so it is worth documenting your own retraining.HR professionalBudgets for internal mobility and reskilling need to be defended against pressure to hire externally.surveyNearly half of workers say AI worries affect their mental health, survey findsHR professionalPsychological strain should be treated as a risk of AI rollout, with support and clear communication.managerUncertainty in teams has a direct effect on engagement.surveyThree in four UK recruiters believe most CVs are written by AI, survey findsHR professionalThe CV is losing value as a screening filter; interview- and task-based assessment is needed.job seekerAmong identical AI-written CVs, concrete, verifiable results help.agencyAI speeds up recruitment and puts pressure on agency feesHR professionalAgency fees can be renegotiated, because AI shortens the process.SME ownerAgency costs can be cut with in-house AI-supported recruitment.surveyGoldman Sachs says AI-displaced workers face a harder path back to employmentjob seekerThose laid off from roles displaced by AI need retraining and a new skills profile.HR professionalOutplacement programmes are best designed specifically for AI-affected roles.caseAI may come for managers' headcount too, FT reportsmanagerMiddle-management levels are exposed too; a combination of team leadership and AI handling skills offers protection.employeeIn flatter organisations, layers of management may shrink.surveyAI is changing workplaces faster than employers expected, MetLife study findsHR professionalJob descriptions and AI policies need to be aligned with actual use.managerAI use that is not officially prescribed must be managed before it becomes a risk.survey90% of companies face a wave of AI-written employee complaints, HR Portál reportsHR professionalSet up a procedure for handling incoming complaints and verifying their authenticity.employeeAn AI-written complaint still starts a formal procedure, so make sure the facts are accurate.case'AI washing' becomes a credibility problem as leaders cite AI for layoffsmanagerCiting AI to justify layoffs is a communication and credibility risk.HR professionalThe real reason for a layoff must be communicated precisely, because employees and the market will ask questions.recruitmentAI, data and cybersecurity account for three in ten GCC tech hiring demand, report findsjob seekerAI, data and cybersecurity are the most sought-after technical skill areas in India's GCCs.HR professionalCompetition for these roles is strong, so attracting and retaining talent is critical.skillsGetting employees to embrace AI takes more than training, reports sayHR professionalAlongside training, trust, clarity about roles and examples of use are needed.managerWithout managers setting an example in the team, the tool goes underused.caseSingapore faces fears of a 'broken' career ladder as CEOs praise AIemployeeExecutive messaging praising AI can be a signal of layoffs, so it is worth asking about the future of your role.managerCommunication about AI is a matter of trust; those affected need clear answers.surveyRAND study models AI job-loss impact on wages, taxes and public servicesmanagerThis is scenario analysis, not a forecast; use it as a sensitivity test for planning.wagesAnthropic IPO filing shows personnel costs of about $107,000 per employee a monthHR professionalThe scale of the pay competition for AI specialists is a benchmark for the fight for talent.job seekerCompensation for top AI researcher positions is far above the market average.surveySingapore survey: human sign-off remains in place where HR uses AIHR professionalHuman sign-off is the established standard for AI use in HR; it is worth fixing in your own process.surveyWhat AI adoption means for pay and hiring in EuropeHR professionalEuropean trends provide a benchmark for pay and hiring planning.employeeThe impact of AI differs by region and profession.caseEmployee exempted from using AI on religious groundsHR professionalWhere AI use is mandatory, set a rule for handling requests for religious and other exemptions.employeeYou can ask for an exemption from a requirement to use AI on religious or other grounds.regulationEuropean trade union chief calls for a new social contract in the age of AIemployeeEuropean trade unions want worker protections to be part of AI regulation.HR professionalFollow the direction of the EU regulatory debate because of its bearing on workplace AI rules.toolBCG and TalentNeuron announce strategic AI workforce transformation partnershipHR professionalSkills-planning services built on labour-market data are a new supplier option.surveyRestaurant industry survey covers pay, tips, benefits and AIemployeeIn hospitality, AI use is now a topic alongside pay, tips and benefits.SME ownerAI tools can also be a response to labour shortages.caseJob seekers over 50 describe navigating ageism and AI screening after rejections50+/seniorAI screening and ageism together make the search harder; networks and references matter more.job seekerAfter rejections, concrete, AI-friendly application materials and networking can help.regulationEU package aims to strengthen manual work in the age of AIemployeeSupport for manual trades steers people toward jobs that AI can replace less easily.SME ownerEU support for the supply of skilled tradespeople may present an opportunity.