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

Artificial intelligence in UK businesses: 2023 to 2026

The Office for National Statistics has released data tracking artificial intelligence adoption across UK businesses between 2023 and 2026.

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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 has released data tracking artificial intelligence adoption across UK businesses between 2023 and 2026. The report details the scale and nature of AI integration within various sectors, highlighting trends in implementation rates and technological maturity. This statistical overview provides a factual baseline for understanding how rapidly organisations are embedding AI into their core operations. For professionals, this data serves as a critical indicator of the shifting technological landscape, offering clear evidence of where investment and operational focus are currently directed within the British economy.

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)

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.

This trend signals that AI literacy is no longer optional but essential for career progression. You must prioritise skills that bridge technical capability with strategic business application. Professionals in data-heavy roles should deepen their analytical expertise, while managers need to understand how to govern AI-driven processes. Focus on acquiring practical skills in data interpretation and algorithmic decision-making. Do not wait for formal training; start experimenting with available tools in your current workflow. Identify which functions in your organisation are being automated and position yourself to oversee or augment those processes. Your next step is to audit your current skill set against these emerging demands and upskill immediately in areas like data science or strategic implementation to remain competitive.

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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

Matched to this story

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