Most UK scale-up founders say their workforce is not ready for widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. Many companies are slowing hiring, with some expecting to cut jobs within a year, according to new research from the entrepreneur network Helm.
The findings come as organizations across the economy test generative AI tools in their day-to-day operations, highlighting how rapidly AI is impacting the workforce planning of high-growth companies.
In a poll of 400 Helm members, 93% said they did not believe the UK workforce was sufficiently prepared for the widespread adoption of AI. A further 3.5% said they were ready and 3.5% were unsure.
The survey found that 58% are delaying or reducing new hires due to increased use of AI. A further 35% have not changed their hiring plans, while 7% are unsure.
When it comes to job cuts, 33% expect AI adoption to lead to job cuts in their business within the next 12 months. Approximately 64% did not expect any reductions and 3% were unaware.
recruitment pressure
Founders often treat hiring as a direct path to growth, so a majority reporting delays signals a change in business plans. Respondents linked this change to increased adoption of AI, which has the potential to replace some tasks and reshape roles in customer support, sales operations, marketing, finance, and software development.
The results also suggest that the labor impact is not limited to recruitment. One in three people expect to reduce their workforce in the next year, indicating that some companies are anticipating short-term replacement rather than redeployment as AI tools become more pervasive in daily workflows.
Helm’s leadership described the problem as a skills gap that is pushing companies toward automation rather than redesigning jobs around new tools. It argued that early investment in training would transform both productivity and employment outcomes.
“The advent of AI is forcing business leaders to make difficult decisions about work and hiring,” said Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm. “Many founders are under pressure to move quickly, stay competitive, and reimagine their roles as automation accelerates.”
“The bigger opportunity now is to upskill workers for higher-value roles and leverage AI to drive sustainable growth. If businesses and policymakers invest in skills early, AI could become a powerful driver of productivity rather than job insecurity,” Adamize added.
training focus
The survey also featured comments from Helm member Joshua Wehle, founder and CEO of AI training company MindStone. He focused on the difference between using AI for automation and using AI to reshape the way staff work.
“AI has the potential to transform UK business, but the skills gap is driving people to focus on automation rather than augmentation, and that’s where generative AI can really make a difference,” Wöhle said.
“Automation will lead to job losses, while ramp-up will impact the top line. Ultimately, this comes down to training,” he added.
Mindstone describes itself as an AI training company, and Wöhle previously co-founded Super Awesome, which he has since left. Helm said the survey results reflect the views of founders who have already made AI-related operational changes, including workforce planning.
For policymakers, the figures add to the debate about how quickly the UK can build AI literacy across its workforce. Companies adopt tools at different speeds, but scaling up can quickly change processes and staffing as cost and time pressures increase.
The study also pointed to gaps in messaging within organizations. Many employees first encounter AI through productivity tools or co-pilots. Managers then assess whether operations can be reorganized, after which hiring decisions are often made.
Helm said companies need to move from using AI primarily to automate roles to using AI as part of talent development. This will require systematic training, clearer job redesign, and changes in the way work is evaluated and managed.
The poll, conducted online among 400 Helm members, asked founders about their expectations for preparation, hiring, and layoffs due to the introduction of AI.
Helm describes itself as the UK’s largest entrepreneurial network for founders and CEOs scaling up. Founded in 2003, it was known as The Supper Club until 2022.
Its member profile represents companies that have moved beyond the startup stage. The average Helm member is the founder of a business with an annual turnover of £21m, and the 400 members surveyed lead businesses with a combined annual turnover of £8bn.
