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

Artificial intelligence in UK businesses: 2023 to 2026

Recent Office for National Statistics data reveals the trajectory of artificial intelligence adoption across UK businesses from 2023 to 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.

Recent Office for National Statistics data reveals the trajectory of artificial intelligence adoption across UK businesses from 2023 to 2026. The report highlights a steady increase in organisations integrating AI tools into core operations, signalling a structural shift in how work is performed. This factual overview outlines the current penetration rates and projected growth, providing a clear baseline for understanding the technological landscape. It serves as a neutral indicator of market trends, essential for professionals assessing the evolving demands of the modern workplace without speculative exaggeration.

Employer demand for AI Strategy 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.

You must adapt to this shift immediately. As AI becomes standard, technical fluency and strategic oversight rise in value, while routine tasks diminish. Professionals in data-heavy roles should prioritise upskilling in AI strategy and data science to remain competitive. You should audit your current workflow to identify processes suitable for automation, then learn to manage these new tools effectively. Ignoring this trend risks obsolescence. Instead, position yourself as a bridge between technology and business goals. Start by taking targeted courses in AI strategy to understand implementation, then develop data science skills to interpret outputs. This proactive approach ensures you lead the change rather than merely reacting to it.

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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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to benefit.

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