A report published by City Hall has revealed the jobs in London most at risk from GenAI.

The report reveals that London’s workforce is more exposed to GenAI than any other region in the UK. It finds that least 46% of London’s workers (around 2.4 million people) are in roles where GenAI could automate a share of their tasks. This is substantially higher than the UK average of 38%.

In the foreword to the report, London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “For a city like London – a global centre for finance, the creative industries, professional services and technology – the implications are profound. 

“AI presents extraordinary opportunities to boost productivity, improve public services and create new, high-quality jobs. But if its adoption is not handled responsibly, it also brings real risks of economic disruption, increased inequality and intense anxiety about what this transition will mean for people’s livelihoods.”

The report finds that workers most at risk from AI include those whose roles involve routine administrative or clerical tasks as these align most closely with GenAI capabilities. This amounts to around 300,000 workers, who are predominantly women.

Its analysis reveals that many professional white-collar occupations are also highly exposed to AI, including journalists, financial analysts, accountants, web designers and brokers. 

GenAI will also affect ‘stepping-stone’ jobs that traditionally provide entry routes into careers. This will have implications both for young people starting out in their careers and for those looking to move into more senior roles.

Sectors that will be least affected include those that rely on physical presence, skilled trades or direct interpersonal care, such as construction workers and waiting staff. However, the report warns that no sector is likely to remain entirely unaffected.

Khan said: “Crucially, this analysis avoids easy conclusions. High exposure does not automatically mean job losses, just as lower exposure does not guarantee insulation from change. In many cases, AI is more likely to transform roles than replace them outright, shifting the mix of tasks, skills and judgement required at work. 

“In other cases, where AI poses a genuine threat to jobs, we need to be alert and ready to respond quickly to any adverse impacts on London’s labour market.”

As a result, and in conjunction with publishing the report, City Hall also announced the launch of the London AI and Jobs Taskforce. Building on the analysis in the report, the taskforce will work to understand how AI is impacting work in the city and what support and risk mitigations need to be put in place.

Tech pioneer Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, best known for co-founding lastminute.com in 1998 and her role as former UK digital champion, has been announced as chair of the new taskforce, which will bring together expertise from within government, the business community, trade unions, the skills sector and the AI industry. 

Khan said: “My approach to AI is rooted in realism – being clear-eyed and pragmatic about the potential perils – while also being alert to, and enthusiastic about, the amazing possibilities. It’s why today I am pleased to confirm that tech trailblazer Baroness Martha Lane-Fox will chair my new London AI and Jobs Taskforce.”

Baroness Lane-Fox said: “AI is bringing incredible opportunities, but also real disruption. This taskforce will look at where work is changing now, where London should lean in with more ambition, and how we make sure the benefits are shared more widely rather than felt only by those already ahead.”