UK dataswitch to US
Butchers
cutting meat into standard cuts for sale, skinning sections of animals or whole animals and slitting open carcasses of slaughtered animals. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: cutting meat into standard cuts for sale is work software can't reach.
What shifts is collecting payments from customers: the paper around the work, not the work.
Your week, as this page understands it
Butchers direct and undertake the slaughter of animals and prepare carcasses for storage, processing and sale. The job title says “butchers”. The real job is the part underneath: cutting meat into standard cuts for sale. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But butchers is not one task. It is 57 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is cutting meat into standard cuts for sale, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 3%
- changing shape
- 3%
- staying human
- 94%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 8 out of 100 (6–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 57 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for butchers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- 2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- 14 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
2 tasksTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Collecting payments from customers
This is reading one thing and writing another: payments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Collect payments from customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (78–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Taking payment is a standard till transaction that systems already handle, though someone is usually at the counter serving.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Estimating requirements for meat supplies to maintain stock levels
This is reading one thing and writing another: requirements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Estimate requirements for meat supplies to maintain stock levels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out how much meat to order from past sales is forecasting software handles well, though local trade knowledge matters.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Changing shape
2 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Monitoring sales environment and suggest new product ideas and improvements
The software now makes the first pass at sales environment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Monitor sales environment and suggest new product ideas and improvements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Spotting what sells and suggesting new lines is analysis and idea work that software supports well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording quantity of meat received and issued to chefs
The software now makes the first pass at quantity of meat, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Record quantity of meat received and issued to chefs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 46 out of 100 (39–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Recording quantities in and out is straightforward record-keeping, though the counting happens at the counter.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
53 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Cutting meat into standard cuts for sale
This work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5431/01, 5431/02Source: “Cut meat into standard cuts for sale.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting meat into standard cuts takes a knife, a steady hand and the carcass in front of you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting and boning meat prior to cooking
This work happens in the physical world: meat prior, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/01, 5431/02Source: “Cut and bone meat prior to cooking.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and boning meat is hands-on knife work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Mincing meat for burgers
This work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01, 5431/02Source: “Mince meat for burgers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Mincing meat is machine work done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Wrapping dressed carcasses or meat cuts
This work happens in the physical world: dressed carcasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/01, 5431/02Source: “Wrap dressed carcasses or meat cuts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Wrapping carcasses and cuts is hand work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cleaning butchery tools and equipment
This work happens in the physical world: butchery tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/01Source: “Clean butchery tools and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning knives, saws and surfaces is hands-on work in the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting and trimming meats to prepare them for cooking
This work happens in the physical world: meats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/01Source: “Cut and trim meats to prepare them for cooking.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming meat is skilled knife work done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Show the other 47 tasks
Communicating effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles customers, suppliers and colleagues and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Routine messages draft easily, but working relationships with customers and suppliers are built by people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing stock control, including records, procurement, inventory and the safe handling and storage of goods
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: stock control, including records, procurement, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Manage stock control, including records, procurement, inventory, and the safe handling and storage of goods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stock records and ordering are natural software tasks, though goods still have to be handled and stored.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Negotiating orders with suppliers
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles orders and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 5431/01Source: “Negotiate orders with suppliers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: AI can prepare the numbers and options, yet supplier deals still turn on a person doing the haggling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Contributing to problem solving and continuous improvement in abattoir operations
staying humanThe ratings behind this row put problem well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 80 · 5431/02Source: “Contribute to problem solving and continuous improvement in abattoir operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest improvements from production data, but knowing what actually goes wrong on the line comes from working it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring and maintaining the cold storage and cutting environment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the cold storage, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Monitor and maintain the cold storage and cutting environment, including temperature control and safe handling of meat.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Temperature logs and food-safety records suit software well, but keeping the room and the meat right needs someone there.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Minimizing hazards and risks in the workplace through the application of safe working practices
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hazards, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/02Source: “Minimize hazards and risks in the workplace through the application of safe working practices, including the use of personal protective equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (16–24 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Safe practices and protective equipment are all documented, but wearing and using them properly is down to the person on the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising and managing the staff in a butcher's shop
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/01Source: “Supervise and manage the staff in a butcher's shop, butchery department, or meat processing plant.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Rotas, targets and paperwork can be drafted by software, but leading a shop team happens in person on the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Working within a quality-controlled environment following standard operating policies and procedures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: within a quality-controlled environment following standard operating policies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/01Source: “Work within a quality-controlled environment following standard operating policies and procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The procedures are written down, but working to them through a shift is down to the people doing it, with inspectors checking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the production line team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of customer orders
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the production line team, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Manage the production line team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of customer orders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Leading a line team through a busy day depends on a manager the crew knows, present with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting meat upon delivery to ensure quality
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat upon delivery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Inspect meat upon delivery to ensure quality.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Judging delivered meat relies on look, smell and touch at the goods-in door.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Communicating effectively with team members
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: team members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/02Source: “Communicate effectively with team members, updating on progress and coordinating work activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Kitchen communication happens live, at speed, alongside the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Working both independently and as part of a team to meet productivity targets
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Work both independently and as part of a team to meet productivity targets.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–9 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: This is about how a person does physical shop-floor work alongside colleagues.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting meat, fish or poultry
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat, fish or poultry, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/01Source: “Cut meat, fish, or poultry.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting meat, fish or poultry needs hands on the product.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining cleanliness of work area
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: cleanliness of work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/01Source: “Maintain cleanliness of work area.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping the work area tidy is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Checking, cleaning, sharpen or change blades on cutting equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: sharpen, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Check, clean, sharpen, or change blades on cutting equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sharpening and changing blades is physical work on the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Curing meat for preservation
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Cure meat for preservation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Curing means handling and treating the actual meat, even though the recipes are written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Demonstrating expertise and providing support in the use of butchery tools and equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: expertise, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Demonstrate expertise and provide support in the use of butchery tools and equipment, such as knives, saws, and cleavers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Showing someone how to handle a knife or saw means demonstrating it in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Producing sausages and pies according to customer specifications or for public sale
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: sausages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Produce sausages and pies according to customer specifications or for public sale.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making sausages and pies is physical food production, even when the recipe is fixed.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Serving clients by preparing and selling meat products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: clients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Serve clients by preparing and selling meat products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Serving customers over the counter means preparing and handing over meat in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Tenderising meat to improve texture
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/01Source: “Tenderise meat to improve texture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tenderising is done by hand or machine on the meat itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Demonstrating hand-eye coordination and physical agility in handling and processing carcasses
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hand-eye coordination, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Demonstrate hand-eye coordination and physical agility in handling and processing carcasses.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: This is literally about physical skill in handling carcasses.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Moving stock to cold storage areas
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Move stock to cold storage areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Moving stock into the cold room is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Receiving deliveries
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: deliveries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Receive deliveries.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking in deliveries means being at the loading bay.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Smoking meat to enhance flavour
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Smoke meat to enhance flavour.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Smoking meat means loading and running the smoker.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Tying meats to prepare them for cooking
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/01Source: “Tie meats to prepare them for cooking.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tying joints is hand work on the meat.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Placing meat cuts and products in display counter to catch the shopper's eye
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat cuts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Place meat cuts and products in display counter to catch the shopper's eye.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Arranging the display counter means placing real products by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up product displays to showcase meat products and attract customers
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: product displays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/01Source: “Set up product displays to showcase meat products and attract customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building a display is physical arrangement of products in the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting and preparing livestock for sale or transferring according to customer specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: livestock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/01Source: “Select and prepare livestock for sale or transfer according to customer specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Selecting and preparing live animals means handling them in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting carcasses in a meat processing factory
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: carcasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/02Source: “Cut carcasses in a meat processing factory.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting carcasses in a factory is physical knife and saw work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Severing jugular veins to drain blood and facilitating slaughtering
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: jugular veins, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/02Source: “Sever jugular veins to drain blood and facilitate slaughtering.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Slaughtering acts must be carried out by hand by a certificated person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 0/4.
Slicing carcasses for future processing
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: carcasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5431/02Source: “Slice carcasses for future processing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Slicing carcasses is physical cutting work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating knives for meat cutting
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: knives, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/02Source: “Operate knives for meat cutting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Using knives on meat is hand skill.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Shackling hind legs of animals to raise them for slaughtering or skinning
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hind legs of animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/02Source: “Shackle hind legs of animals to raise them for slaughtering or skinning.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shackling animals is heavy physical handling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 0/4.
Skinning sections of animals or whole animals
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: sections of animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/02Source: “Skin sections of animals or whole animals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Skinning is hand work on the animal.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Slitting open carcasses of slaughtered animals
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: open carcasses of slaughtered animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5431/02Source: “Slit open carcasses of slaughtered animals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Opening a carcass is physical knife work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating machinery for the slaughter process using safe and hygienic practices
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/02Source: “Operate machinery for the slaughter process using safe and hygienic practices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Slaughtering is hands-on work with the animal and the machinery, and only someone holding an official certificate of competence may do it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Shaving or singing and defeather carcasses in preparation for further processing
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: defeather carcasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/02Source: “Shave or singe and defeather carcasses in preparation for further processing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Singeing and defeathering are hands-on carcass preparation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Stunning animals prior to slaughtering
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: animals prior, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5431/02Source: “Stun animals prior to slaughtering.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Stunning must be done in person by someone holding a certificate of competence.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Ensuring accurate cutting and incision lines in the evisceration process to minimize contamination
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: accurate, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/02Source: “Ensure accurate cutting and incision lines in the evisceration process to minimize contamination.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making clean, accurate cuts on a carcass is knife work by hand, judged afterwards by the inspecting vet.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing dressing process, including flaying, skimming and scalding to prevent damage and contamination
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: process, including flaying, skimming, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/02Source: “Perform dressing process, including flaying, skimming, and scalding, to prevent damage and contamination.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Flaying and dressing a carcass is skilled knife work done by hand, and no software can take a blade to it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Sorting viscera of slaughtered animals to separate edible portions from offal
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: viscera of slaughtered animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/02Source: “Sort viscera of slaughtered animals to separate edible portions from offal.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sorting offal by hand relies on touch and sight at the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Washing carcasses in preparation for further processing or packaging
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: carcasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5431/02Source: “Wash carcasses in preparation for further processing or packaging.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Washing carcasses is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Slaughtering animals in accordance with religious law
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/02Source: “Slaughter animals in accordance with religious law.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Religious slaughter must be performed in person by a licensed and authorised person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Trimming head meat from animals' heads
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: head meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5431/02Source: “Trim head meat from animals' heads.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming head meat is knife work by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Mincing meat for sausages, luncheon meats and other meat products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: meat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5431/02Source: “Mince meat for sausages, luncheon meats, and other meat products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Mincing for sausages and cold cuts is physical machine work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying salt, chemicals and natural extracts to clean, tan and preserve hides
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: salt, chemicals and natural extracts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5431/02Source: “Apply salt, chemicals, and natural extracts to clean, tan, and preserve hides.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Treating hides is physical work with chemicals and hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Managing animals in the lairage facility following standard operating procedures and animal welfare practices
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: animals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5431/02Source: “Manage animals in the lairage facility following standard operating procedures and animal welfare practices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Moving and settling live animals in the lairage is physical handling, and it may only be done by a certificated person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £28,900a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
- People doing this job
- 21,300in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: sales environment in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: collecting payments from customers and estimating requirements for meat supplies to maintain stock levels. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where meat gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Start with what does not change: cutting meat into standard cuts for sale is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 3% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 3% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 94% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 57 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Collecting payments from customers is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to sales environment, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.
- What you end up holding
- a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
- How long it takes
- ten minutes
If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether meat prior is in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.
Over the next 90 days
Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near monitoring sales environment and suggest new product ideas and improvements. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.
Over the next 12 months
On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to butchers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was fishmongers and poultry dressers: it pays 12.0% less and there are far fewer of those jobs than of yours. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 8/100 here, with only 3% of the task list in the top band, and “cut meat into standard cuts for sale” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Fishmongers and poultry dressers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “cut meat into standard cuts for sale”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 37% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: It is a pay cut, in those words: £25,394 against your £28,859, 12.0% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice. And it is a narrow door: about 4,900 of those jobs against 21,300 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 23% as many seats.
Chefs
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “communicate effectively with team members, updating on progress and coordinating work activities”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 6% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Coffee shop workers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already receive deliveries, and their equivalent is to receive and store supplies in designated areas. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £21,598 against your £28,859, 25.2% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 3% of its task weight, across 57 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like cutting meat into standard cuts for sale arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United Kingdom figures
The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Butchers and Meat Cutters is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
The other groups this work is counted across:
In US official statistics this job is counted as Butchers and Meat Cutters, Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers, Slaughterers and Meat Packers and Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
In England:
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
In Wales:
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded
Why there is no community here
Collab365, who build this site, run paid Spaces for a small number of subjects, and none of them is built for this job. We are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
So the free services listed on this page are the whole answer, and it is the same answer we would give a friend.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for butchers launches. Nothing else.
That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.
We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.
No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.
Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Butchers?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 57 official task statements scored for Butchers (United Kingdom, SOC 5431), 3% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 8 out of 100 (range 6–13, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Butchers” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Collect payments from customers” (85/100, very high); “Estimate requirements for meat supplies to maintain stock levels” (68/100, high); “Monitor sales environment and suggest new product ideas and improvements” (56/100, partial). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Butchers” stay human?
- About 94% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Manage animals in the lairage facility following standard operating procedures and animal welfare practices” (0/100, minimal); “Apply salt, chemicals, and natural extracts to clean, tan, and preserve hides” (0/100, minimal); “Mince meat for sausages, luncheon meats, and other meat products” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Butchers” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 3% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 94% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Butchers calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 57 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
- This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
- 2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 14 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- gaisi-index (relatedness)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
Using these figures?
Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.