UK employers are proving significantly more hesitant to adopt artificial intelligence in recruitment than their global counterparts, with more than half reporting they avoid the technology entirely during hiring, according to data released by recruitment firm Morgan McKinley. The survey reveals a stark contrast between widespread candidate usage and cautious corporate screening practices.
UK Employers Show Global High in Hiring Caution
More than 50% of UK employers surveyed by Morgan McKinley stated they do not use artificial intelligence to hire staff. This makes British companies the most cautious group across seven markets polled by the firm, where the average non-usage rate sits at 36%.
The findings stem from a third-quarter survey that gathered 2,106 responses globally from clients and candidates. Out of that total, 144 submissions came from employers, with approximately one-fifth—roughly 27 companies—originating in the UK, a figure acknowledged by the recruitment firm.
Candidate Hesitance Matches Corporate Retuctance
British job seekers share similar reservations about automated hiring processes. When asked about evaluation methods, 28% of UK candidates said being assessed by artificial intelligence would make them far less likely to apply for a role, compared to 23% globally. Furthermore, 27% stated they would not trust automated systems to help decide who gets a job.
Despite this skepticism regarding evaluation, candidate adoption of generative tools remains high. Across all sectors, 78% of job seekers use generative AI during their job search. Most deploy the technology to write or edit CVs, draft cover letters, or prepare for interviews. However, only 5% would allow software to make a hiring decision independently, while 44% accept decisions reached through a combination of artificial intelligence and human oversight.
Verification Difficulties and Application Backlogs
The heavy reliance on generative tools by applicants is creating friction for hiring managers. Four in ten UK employers reported that candidate use of AI makes skills and backgrounds harder to verify. A quarter noted that a general rise in application volume is slowing down their screening processes.
“Recruitment is another area where that transition is already being felt,” said Chris Lawton, UK Senior Managing Director at Morgan McKinley UK, pointing to the need for transparency and human oversight.
Corporate impact remains mixed. While 64% of employers stated that AI has not affected their total headcount, 7% noted reductions, and 13% said the technology prevented them from expanding their workforce.
Employee AI Usage and Training Gaps
Inside the workplace, daily usage is widespread. Among 1,962 employees surveyed, 62% use artificial intelligence every day, and another 15% use it weekly. Seventy percent report that the technology makes their jobs easier, though a quarter now spend more time checking outputs.
Training support remains scarce. Only one in four respondents said their employer invests sufficiently in their AI skills. Nearly a third receive no support at all and teach themselves outside work hours. Meanwhile, 46% of employees express fear that the technology might eventually take their jobs.
“AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday working life, but our findings show a clear gap between employee concerns about job replacement and how employers are approaching AI,” Lawton said. “The challenge now is turning that intention into meaningful workforce strategy.”
Quick Industry Insight: While Deloitte research from July found that large UK companies are growing more optimistic about artificial intelligence, they continue to keep a tight grip on spending.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI in UK Recruitment
Do UK companies use AI for hiring?
More than half of UK employers surveyed by Morgan McKinley do not use artificial intelligence in their hiring processes, making the UK the most cautious market among the seven regions polled.
How do UK job seekers use artificial intelligence?
Seventy-eight percent of job seekers use generative AI during their job search, primarily to write or edit CVs and cover letters or to prepare for interviews.
Are UK employees worried about job displacement?
Yes, 46% of surveyed employees reported a fear that artificial intelligence might eventually take their jobs.
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