Will AI replace Coffee shop workers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 57 official task statements scored for Coffee shop workers (United Kingdom, SOC 9266), 4% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 12 out of 100 (range 9–17, 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 “Coffee shop workers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Order supplies from sales representatives to maintain stock levels in hospitality settings” (79/100, high); “Create signs to advertise shop products or events” (69/100, high); “Contact customers regarding their orders” (64/100, high). 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 “Coffee shop workers” stay human?

About 93% 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: “Prepare meals following health and safety guidelines” (0/100, minimal); “Weigh coffee beans for customers” (0/100, minimal); “Take out rubbish and check and clean bathrooms” (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 “Coffee shop workers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 4% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 93% 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 Coffee shop workers 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.

UK dataswitch to US

Coffee shop workers

ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard, passing food orders to kitchens or serving counters and preparing and organising own work. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 4%
changing shape: 3%
staying human: 93%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 12 out of 100 (9–17 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 coffee shop workers 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 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is creating signs to advertise shop products or events: the paper around the work, not the work.

Your week, as this page understands it

Coffee shop workers make and serve coffee, food and other beverages in coffee shops and cafés, and perform various cleaning, fetching and carrying tasks. The job title says “coffee shop workers”. The real job is the part underneath: ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard. 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 coffee shop workers 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 ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 4%
changing shape: 3%
staying human: 93%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

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 2026-08-04. 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.

35 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

3 tasks

Tasks 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.

Creating signs to advertise shop products or events
This is reading one thing and writing another: signs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Create signs to advertise shop products or events.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (62–76 allowing for uncertainty): 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: Designing and writing a promotional sign is exactly what AI design and writing tools produce well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · 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.
Ordering supplies from sales representatives to maintain stock levels in hospitality settings
This is reading one thing and writing another: supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Order supplies from sales representatives to maintain stock levels in hospitality settings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (75–83 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high 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: Placing orders against stock levels is routine ordering that systems already largely handle.
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 3/4.
Contacting customers regarding their orders
This is reading one thing and writing another: customers regarding their orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Contact customers regarding their orders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): 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: Order updates by message or phone are routine contact that automated systems already send.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

2 tasks

Tasks 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.

Balancing cash receipts
The software now makes the first pass at cash receipts, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Balance cash receipts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 41 out of 100 (37–45 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high 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: The reconciliation itself is straightforward for software, but counting the physical cash in the till still needs a person.
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 4/4.
Ordering new stock based on inventory needs
The software now makes the first pass at new stock, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Order new stock based on inventory needs.” (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: Ordering stock from sales and inventory figures is something software forecasts well, though someone still eyes the store cupboard now and then.
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.

Staying human

52 tasks

Tasks 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.

Ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard
This work happens in the physical world: each stage of food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 9266/00
Source: “Ensure each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard, including customer arrival, provision of information, taking orders, serving food and drink, and taking payments.” (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: Running every stage of table service, from welcome to payment, means being in the room with the guests.
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.
Preparing and serving beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks
This work happens in the physical world: beverages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks.” (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 and carrying drinks is physical work behind the bar and at the table.
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.
Providing excellent customer service by understanding the needs and expectations of customers
This work happens in the physical world: excellent customer service, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9266/00
Source: “Provide excellent customer service by understanding the needs and expectations of customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 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: Good service here comes from reading the customer standing in front of you.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Delivering good customer service by responding swiftly to client queries and concerns
This work happens in the physical world: good customer service, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9266/00
Source: “Deliver good customer service by responding swiftly to client queries and concerns.” (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: Sorting out a guest's problem quickly usually means noticing it and dealing with it there at the table.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.
Brewing coffee and tea for guests
This work happens in the physical world: coffee, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9266/00
Source: “Brew coffee and tea for guests.” (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: Brewing coffee and tea is hands-on work with 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 1/4.

Show the other 47 tasks

Describing menu items to customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: menu items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Describe menu items to customers.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Describing dishes is straightforward once the menu is written down, though guests ask whoever is at the table.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out stock control and checks to maintain appropriate stock levels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock control, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Carry out stock control and checks to maintain appropriate stock levels.” (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 figures are easy to work out, but the shelves still have to be counted.
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.
Monitoring stock levels and ordering supplies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock levels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Monitor stock levels and order supplies as necessary.” (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: Reordering is easy for software to work out, but checking what is actually on the shelves still means walking the store.
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.
Providing customers with product details
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Provide customers with product details, such as coffee blend or preparation descriptions.” (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 same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Coffee origins and brewing methods are well documented, though customers usually ask across the counter.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Recommending products based on customer needs and desires
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Recommend products based on customer needs and desires.” (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 same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Recommending products from stated preferences is exactly what online recommendation tools already do well.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Notifying kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: kitchen personnel of shortages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Notify kitchen personnel of shortages or special orders.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Flagging a shortage or a special order is a short message that order systems already pass along, though it is often called out in the kitchen.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Requesting and recording customer orders using cash registers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customer orders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Request and record customer orders using cash registers, multi-counting machines, or pencil and paper.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tills and ordering screens already capture orders, though most are still taken at the counter.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Taking customer orders to provide personalised service
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customer orders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Take customer orders to provide personalised service.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Ordering apps already take orders, but many customers still want to order from a person.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Communicating with customers to address their needs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Communicate with customers to address their needs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Serving a customer at the counter happens face to face.
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 3/4.
Obtaining and handling client feedback
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: client feedback, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9266/00
Source: “Obtain and handle client feedback, both positive and negative, to improve the business's services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Collecting and sorting feedback automates well, but hearing a complaint in person does not.
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 3/4.
Supervising the delivery of a quality service that supports the department in achieving overall business objectives
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the delivery of a quality service, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Supervise the delivery of a quality service that supports the department in achieving overall business objectives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Service standards can be planned and tracked on paper, but overseeing them happens in the room.
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 3/4.
Arranging product displays to promote items and enhance customer experience
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: product displays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Arrange product displays to promote items and enhance customer experience.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Display ideas can be suggested, but arranging the products is physical work in the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 3/4.
Collecting payments from customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: payments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Collect payments from customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Taking payment over the counter is a face-to-face step, even though the card processing behind it is already automated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 4/4.
Passing food orders to kitchens or serving counters for preparation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: food orders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Pass food orders to kitchens or serving counters for preparation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Order tickets are already routed by till systems, but the assistant usually passes them in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 3/4.
Setting up merchandise displays to promote products and enhance customer experience
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: merchandise displays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Set up merchandise displays to promote products and enhance customer experience.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Layout suggestions come easily, but building the display means moving the products yourself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 3/4.
Preparing and organising own work
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: own work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare and organise own work, following business/brand guidelines and procedures, meeting agreed deadlines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Organising your own shift work happens on the restaurant floor, judging what needs doing next.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 2/4.
Collecting money from customers and give change
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: money, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Collect money from customers and give change.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Handling cash needs someone at the till, though card and self-service payment already cover much of it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 3/4.
Demonstrating the use of espresso machines in a retail setting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the use of espresso machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Demonstrate the use of espresso machines in a retail setting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: A video can show the machine, but demonstrating it to a customer happens beside the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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 3/4.
Checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods to ensure proper temperature control
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: refrigeration systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Check refrigeration systems for frozen foods to ensure proper temperature control.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 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: Someone has to walk to the fridge and read the temperature; only the logging and flagging afterwards is screen work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using clear and engaging communication to establish a good rapport with customers and ask relevant questions to determine their needs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: clear, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Use clear and engaging communication to establish a good rapport with customers and ask relevant questions to determine their needs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 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: Building rapport with a customer happens face to face in the moment.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning or sanitising work areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean or sanitise work areas, utensils, or 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning surfaces, utensils and equipment needs someone physically doing it.
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.
Setting up and keeping all eating and serving areas clean and tidy
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and keeping, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9266/00
Source: “Set up and keep all eating and serving areas clean and tidy.” (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: Setting up and cleaning dining areas is physical work on site.
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.
Cleaning and maintaining all equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean and maintain all equipment, ensuring strict hygiene levels throughout the brewing process.” (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 and maintaining brewing vessels is hands-on work with hoses, brushes and tools.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning and tidying work areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean and tidy work 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: Cleaning and tidying a work area 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.
Portioning and wrapping food
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Portion and wrap food.” (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: Portioning and wrapping food is physical handling.
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.
Preparing and serving sandwiches and cakes for catering events
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sandwiches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare and serve sandwiches and cakes for catering events.” (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 and serving food for an event is hands-on kitchen and service 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 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Serving customers at tables or counters
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9266/00
Source: “Serve customers at tables or counters.” (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: Carrying food to tables and counters is physical work with people present.
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.
Cleaning and tidying the cafe before closing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the cafe, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean and tidy the cafe before closing.” (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 and tidying the cafe is physical work at closing time.
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.
Grinding fresh coffee beans
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fresh coffee beans, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Grind fresh coffee beans.” (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: Grinding beans means operating the grinder 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 1/4.
Preparing cold drinks, milkshakes or desserts using specialised machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cold drinks, milkshakes or desserts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare cold drinks, milkshakes, or desserts using specialised machines.” (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 cold drinks and desserts on the machines is hands-on 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.
Stocking customer service stations with paper products or beverage preparation items
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customer service stations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Stock customer service stations with paper products or beverage preparation items.” (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: Stocking stations with cups, napkins and drink items is manual 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.
Washing pots, pans, dishes, utensils or other cooking equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pots, pans, dishes, utensils or other cooking equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9266/00
Source: “Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, or other cooking 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: Washing up is entirely hands-on work at the sink.
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 and polishing furniture and fixtures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean and polish furniture and fixtures.” (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 and polishing furniture and fixtures is handwork.
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.
Preparing the coffee shop ready for opening
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the coffee shop ready, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare the coffee shop ready for opening.” (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: Getting the shop ready to open is physical setting up.
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.
Sweeping floors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: floors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9266/00
Source: “Sweep floors.” (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: Sweeping floors 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.
Washing glasses or other serving equipment at bars
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: glasses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9266/00
Source: “Wash glasses or other serving equipment at bars.” (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 glasses and equipment is hands-on work at the bar.
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 communal areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: communal areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Clean communal 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: Cleaning shared areas is physical work in the space.
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.
Preparing menu items, such as sandwiches or salads
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: menu items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare menu items, such as sandwiches or salads.” (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 sandwiches and salads is hands-on food 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 2/4.
Washing dishes, glassware and cutlery after meals
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dishes, glassware and cutlery after meals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Wash dishes, glassware, and cutlery after meals.” (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 up is physical work at the sink or machine.
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.
Wrapping, labelling or date food items for sale
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: date food items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9266/00
Source: “Wrap, label, or date food items 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: Wrapping, labelling and dating food is hands-on work with the items.
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.
Preparing food and carry out basic cooking tasks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare food and carry out basic cooking tasks.” (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: Preparing and cooking food is physical kitchen 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.
Receiving and storing supplies in designated areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Receive and store supplies in designated 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: Taking in deliveries and putting them away is physical handling.
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.
Restocking product displays
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: product displays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Restock product displays.” (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: Restocking a display means putting physical products back on the shelf.
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.
Slicing fruits, vegetables, desserts or meats for use in food service
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fruits, vegetables, desserts or meats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Slice fruits, vegetables, desserts, or meats for use in food service.” (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 food is hands-on preparation with a knife.
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.
Taking out rubbish and checking and cleaning bathrooms
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rubbish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Take out rubbish and check and clean bathrooms.” (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 out rubbish and cleaning bathrooms is physical work on the premises.
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.
Weighing coffee beans for customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: coffee beans, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9266/00
Source: “Weigh coffee beans for 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: Weighing out beans for a customer happens at the counter with the scales.
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.
Preparing meals following health and safety guidelines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: meals following health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9266/00
Source: “Prepare meals following health and safety guidelines.” (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: Preparing food to hygiene rules is hands-on kitchen work.
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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £21,600a 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: 79,300in 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: cash receipts in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: creating signs to advertise shop products or events and ordering supplies from sales representatives to maintain stock levels in hospitality settings. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where each stage of food 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: ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 4% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 3% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 93% 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. Creating signs to advertise shop products or events 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 cash receipts, 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 each stage of food 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 balancing cash receipts. 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

You did not come here for a career change and I am not selling you one. But one road out of here is worth knowing about, so here it is with the bill attached.

Coffee shop workersWaiters and waitresses
a year or morematched on shared tasks
One of the tasks on your list is on theirs in the same words: “ensure each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard”. Take both published task lists together and about 36% of the work in that job that the software is not taking is work you are doing today.
About 36% of it you could do on Monday. The rest is the price of the ticket.
The work the two jobs share
- You already do
  “Ensure each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard, including customer arrival, provision of information, taking orders, serving food and drink, and taking payments.”
  They do
  “Ensure each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard, including customer arrival, provision of information, taking orders, serving food and drink, and taking payments.”
- You already do
  “Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks.”
  They do
  “Prepare and serve beverages, such as coffee or soft drinks.”
- You already do
  “Set up and keep all eating and serving areas clean and tidy.”
  They do
  “Set up and keep all eating and serving areas clean and tidy.”
What you would not already have: Nothing in your task list touches “greet guests entering the dining area”, “allocate customers to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation” or “greet and seat customers”. That is the part you would be learning from scratch, and it is roughly the 64% of their durable work you do not already hold.
The honest bill
Pay: £22,900 against your £21,600 (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)).
- The licence gate: Default-closed. This release carries no licence-register snapshot, so I could not check whether that job is regulated, which means I have to assume it might be. Before you spend a penny, look it up on the GOV.UK register of regulated professions; the free routes below link straight to it. The route is banded a year or more because of that unknown, not in spite of it.
- The entry ticket: Typical entry-level education is published for only ten occupations in this release, and neither this job nor that one is among them. So I cannot tell you whether a qualification stands in the way. Treat that as an open question to settle before you commit, not as a green light.
- What the pay gap is telling you: £22,936 against your £21,598, 6.2% more (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). A real difference, not a life-changing one. Take the move for the work, not the raise.
- What you live on meanwhile: Nobody is going to pay you to retrain. This is evenings and weekends alongside the job you already have, for a year or more, and if that is not possible right now then this route is not open right now, which is worth knowing before you start. The free, government-funded careers service listed below will talk the funding through with you before you pay anyone.
- Is the target job itself holding up: Waiters and waitresses scores 13/100 on this site’s own exposure measure (minimal), with 2% of its tasks in the top band. Employment projections are not published for this occupation in this release, so this is the exposure leg of the check only. It passed, which is the only reason it is here.
How long: A year or more, part-time, alongside the job you have. That band is set by the unchecked licence question and by the 64% of their work you would be learning, not by any one course.
See what AI is doing to waiters and waitresses

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.

Bar staff
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “ensure each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 28% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: It is closer than most, and still not close enough: about 28% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Kitchen and catering assistants
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “set up and keep all eating and serving areas clean and tidy”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 26% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: It is closer than most, and still not close enough: about 26% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Sales administrators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “use clear and engaging communication to establish a good rapport with customers and ask relevant questions…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 21% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 21% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

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: 4% 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 ensuring each stage of food and beverage service meets business/brand standard 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 Bartenders 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

In US official statistics this job is counted as Bartenders. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

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:
National Careers Service
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
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
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:
Skills Bootcamps
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
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
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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.

Nearby moves

The jobs above, as pages you can read the same way as this one. Your job shares its core work with these. That is what the match is, and it is all it is.

Waiters and waitresses →About 36% of it you could do on Monday. The rest is the price of the ticket.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for coffee shop workers launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for coffee shop workers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for coffee shop workers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

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We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for coffee shop workers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

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 Coffee shop workers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 57 official task statements scored for Coffee shop workers (United Kingdom, SOC 9266), 4% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 12 out of 100 (range 9–17, 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 “Coffee shop workers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Order supplies from sales representatives to maintain stock levels in hospitality settings” (79/100, high); “Create signs to advertise shop products or events” (69/100, high); “Contact customers regarding their orders” (64/100, high). 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 “Coffee shop workers” stay human?: About 93% 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: “Prepare meals following health and safety guidelines” (0/100, minimal); “Weigh coffee beans for customers” (0/100, minimal); “Take out rubbish and check and clean bathrooms” (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 “Coffee shop workers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 4% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 93% 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 Coffee shop workers 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.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
35 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.

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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}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. 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.