Office for National Statistics · 20 Jul, 07:00 · Technology briefing

Artificial intelligence in UK businesses: 2023 to 2026

The Office for National Statistics reports on the trajectory of artificial intelligence adoption within UK businesses from 2023 to 2026.

30%premium for professionals who pair domain skills with tech fluency
3.5xfaster skill turnover — staying current is the moat
74%of employers fund staff who self-start upskilling
20days to your first credential
The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The Office for National Statistics reports on the trajectory of artificial intelligence adoption within UK businesses from 2023 to 2026. The data highlights key shifts in how organisations integrate automated systems into daily operations. It tracks usage patterns across various sectors, identifying where implementation is accelerating or stagnating. This factual overview provides a clear baseline for understanding current technological maturity levels. Professionals can use these statistics to gauge their industry’s readiness. The report avoids speculative trends, focusing instead on verified deployment rates. It serves as an essential reference for those monitoring digital transformation progress. By examining these metrics, readers gain insight into the practical realities of AI integration. This data helps contextualise broader economic discussions around productivity and efficiency.

Employer demand for Artificial Intelligence skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.3x20211.8x20222.6x20233.7x20245.3x20257.6x202610.3x
Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to this shift immediately. Technical proficiency in artificial intelligence is no longer optional; it is a core competency. Your career longevity depends on understanding how these tools enhance productivity. Focus on developing skills in data literacy and strategic implementation. Managers need to learn how to integrate AI into workflows without compromising ethical standards. You should prioritise courses that bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. Ignoring this trend risks professional obsolescence. Instead, position yourself as a leader who leverages automation for better decision-making. Start by auditing your current skill set against these emerging demands. Invest time in learning how to interpret AI-driven insights. This proactive approach will distinguish you from peers who resist change. Secure your future by becoming indispensable in an automated workplace.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Artificial Intelligence, AI Strategy, Data Science and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below
Artificial Intelligence+22%AI Strategy+35%Data Science+27%Business And Management+34%
Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.

Launch pricing shown against standard certificate value. The fee you see today is the fee you lock in.

This briefing is based on reporting by Office for National Statistics on 20 Jul, 07:00. Read the original coverage →

Read the news. Then outrun it.

Every OnlineUni programme is online, self-paced and from £79 — so a headline today can be your credential this month.

Your next role is already asking for something you haven't learned.

Better to find out now than in the interview.

Chat with Admissions

OnlineUni Admissions

Tell us where you want your career to go, and we'll find you the right programme.

Chat with AdmissionsCourse guidance, fees, and enrolment help from our team.
Available 24/7 Our admissions consultants are always online to help you choose.
OnlineUni · a TilGlobal brand

Tell us about yourself to get started

OnlineUni · a TilGlobal brand