Accounting tasks in India projected for 46% automation by 2032

Pearson, a prominent learning company, conducted a study revealing that Generative AI may present a substantial peril to white-collar jobs than to blue-collar positions as it becomes increasingly integrated into the global economy.

Part of Pearson’s Skills Outlook series, the report focuses on ‘Gen AI Proof Jobs’ and examines the impact of Generative AI on over 5,000 jobs across five countries: Australia, Brazil, India, the US, and the UK.

The research underscores the disparity in the impact on white-collar versus blue-collar roles, attributing it to the nature of tasks in each category. White-collar jobs, often involving repetitive tasks like scheduling appointments, are more susceptible to automation. Notably, in India, over 30 per cent of certain white-collar tasks could be automated, while less than one per cent of blue-collar jobs face automation.

This trend is particularly evident in India, where there is a substantial 29 per cent difference in task-level impact between the most affected white-collar and blue-collar jobs. The report reveals that the five least impacted blue-collar jobs have no affected tasks, while the least impacted white-collar jobs still see around 10 per cent or more of time spent on affected tasks.

In India, the most impacted white-collar jobs include roles like Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks (46 per cent), Word Processor and Related Operators (40 per cent), and Administrative Secretaries and Related Associate Professionals (38 per cent). On the blue-collar side, the most impacted jobs include Weavers, Knitters and Related Workers (17 per cent), Basketry Weavers, Brush Makers and Related Workers (17 per cent), and Weaving and Knitting Machine Operators (16 per cent).

Mike Howells, President of Pearson Workforce Skills, stressed the importance of understanding job vulnerability to AI. He encouraged workers and employers to leverage both AI and human skills, suggesting that using technology for repetitive tasks could allow individuals to focus on high-value activities and enhance uniquely human skills like creativity, communication, and leadership.

The study also identifies the least impacted jobs in India like Working Proprietors, Directors, and Executives in Transport and Communication (10 per cent), Sales and Marketing Managers (10 per cent), and Lawyers (10 per cent).

Pearson provides crucial insights into the evolving needs of the modern workforce, helping employers and employees stay relevant. The study, employing Generative AI tools, predicts the percentage of time saved by 2032 and outlines potential job impacts globally. With nearly 1,400 enterprise clients, it brings a robust foundation and unique expertise to the workforce skilling market.