77% of UK employers want basic AI skills

77% of UK organizations expect basic AI proficiency to become a baseline requirement for most non-technical roles within the next year, according to new research from HiBob.

The finding points to a growing demand for AI-capable employees, but it leaves a contentious question unresolved: should companies train their workforces, or should workers build these skills independently?

How employers are building AI skills

Organizations appear to be pursuing both strategies. 82% are investing in AI upskilling, while 80% have a defined approach for identifying candidates who already possess strong AI skills.

Training programs vary widely. Employers reported using:

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• Funding opportunities for employees (33%)
• Dedicated time for workers to experiment with AI (33%)
• Pre-built prompts and workflows (31%)

The figures suggest there is no standard model yet for developing AI proficiency across a workforce.

At the same time, employees are increasingly being assessed on these capabilities. More than three in five organizations consider AI skills in promotion decisions (63%) and include them in regular performance reviews (61%). That makes at least some individual responsibility for upskilling unavoidable, even where employers provide support.

“The winners in the AI era will be the organisations that can define a shared language of skills, identify where capability truly sits, and pivot talent to where it creates the most value.”

The financial incentive is also clear: 97% of employers are prepared to offer at least a 10% salary premium for AI proficiency. As companies continue working out how to support their employees, workers who take the initiative may gain an advantage in the short term.