Worker confidence in AI use has plummeted by 18 percentage points since last year, according to new data from ManpowerGroup’s annual Global Talent Barometer. While 44% of workers now use AI regularly in their roles, confidence in using these tools dropped from 81% to just 63% this year.

In the latest edition of the Global Talent Barometer, UK workers reported an overall score of 69% for 2026, reflecting weakened confidence as wellbeing and job satisfaction remained steady.

The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey (MEOS) reveals a Net Employment Outlook of +13% for Q1 2026 – up two points on the previous quarter, marking the first improvement since mid-2025. While still 16 points below last year’s high, this shift signals a return of confidence after months of uncertainty.

New Year, New Job! UK Employment Market Set to Rebound in Q1 Employers across the UK are entering

In a labour market flooded with candidates, racked with policy-related uncertainty and shaped by rapid technological change, HR leaders face a dual challenge: driving productivity in the face of rising labour costs, and balancing the human / AI skills challenge while still attracting and retaining top talent.

UK trails in global hiring race, facing the world’s sharpest yearly and quarterly decline Hiring demand amongst UK