The Young Are Being Battered by AI as Hiring Shifts to Older Workers

A new survey has found that more CEOs are planning to reduce junior roles in favor of hiring mid-level workers, a shift attributed to the adoption of artificial intelligence. The share of CEOs looking to cut junior positions over the next year or two has doubled to 43%, according to the survey. At the same time, the proportion planning to increase hiring for mid-level roles has tripled to 30%, up from 10% last year.

The survey, which was not named in the article, suggests that companies are using AI to automate tasks previously performed by entry-level workers. This allows firms to operate with fewer junior employees while seeking more experienced staff who can manage AI systems. The trend appears to accelerate existing patterns of job polarisation, where mid-skill roles grow at the expense of lower-level positions.

The findings raise concerns about the long-term career prospects for younger workers, who typically rely on junior roles to build experience. While some analysts argue that AI will create new job categories, the immediate impact appears to be a reduction in entry-level opportunities. The article did not specify the number of CEOs surveyed or their geographic distribution.