UK dataswitch to US
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives
operating brewing and distilling machinery to produce beverages, opening valves, gates or chutes to load or remove products from ovens and producing pastries and confectionery. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions is work software can't reach.
What shifts is recording production and testing data for each food product batch: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.
Your week, as this page understands it
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives set, operate and attend machinery to bake, freeze, heat, crush, mix, blend and otherwise process foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco leaves. The job title says “food”, “drink” or “tobacco process operatives”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions. 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 food, drink and tobacco process operatives is not one task. It is 68 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 7%
- changing shape
- 3%
- staying human
- 90%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 10 out of 100 (8–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 68 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 food, drink and tobacco process operatives 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.
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.
- 10 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
6 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.
Recording production and testing data for each food product batch
This is reading one thing and writing another: production in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 8111/01Source: “Record production and test data for each food product batch, including ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (57–65 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: Batch records are structured data capture that software handles, with readings still taken on the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording type of bakery product processed for quality control
This is reading one thing and writing another: type of bakery product in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 8111/03Source: “Record type of bakery product processed for quality control.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 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: Logging what was produced is structured data entry software handles 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.
Producing reliable and accurate reports on product samples
This is reading one thing and writing another: reliable in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 8111/01Source: “Produce reliable and accurate reports on product samples.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (57–65 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: Turning sample results into a clear report is structured writing software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording time and temperature of bakery processing for compliance
This is reading one thing and writing another: time in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 8111/03Source: “Record time and temperature of bakery processing for compliance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (57–65 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: Time and temperature logs are structured records software can capture, with readings taken at the oven.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Changing shape
3 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.
Coordinating delivery of orders to maintain product freshness
The software now makes the first pass at delivery of orders, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 8111/02Source: “Coordinate delivery of orders to maintain product freshness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 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: Planning delivery rounds to keep produce fresh is a scheduling problem software solves 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing standard operating procedures to ensure quality and consistency
The software now makes the first pass at standard operating procedures, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Establish standard operating procedures to ensure quality and consistency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 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: Drafting a standard operating procedure is writing work AI does well from how the process actually runs.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Taking customer orders to ensure product delivery
The software now makes the first pass at customer orders, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 8111/02Source: “Take customer orders to ensure product delivery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 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: Taking orders is routine and easy to automate, though many are still taken on the round.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
59 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.
Observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions
This work happens in the physical world: machinery operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/01, 8111/04Source: “Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.” (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: Hearing a machine running badly means being on the 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.
Adjusting thermostats and valves based on product samples to maintain prescribed conditions
This work happens in the physical world: thermostats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/01, 8111/03Source: “Adjust thermostats and valves based on product samples to maintain prescribed conditions.” (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: Turning thermostats and valves is a hands-on adjustment at the 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 2/4.
Measuring or weighing ingredients, using scales or measuring containers
This work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/01, 8111/04Source: “Measure or weigh ingredients, using scales or measuring containers.” (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 and measuring ingredients on scales is physical handling of real material.
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 58 tasks
Maintaining production records detailing quantities
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: production records detailing quantities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8111/02Source: “Maintain production records detailing quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 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: Production records are structured data entry that software handles quickly and accurately.
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.
Recording the weights and processing times of finished pieces
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: the weights in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Record the weights and processing times of finished pieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 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: Recording weights and times is structured data capture software does accurately.
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.
Determining mixing sequences based on temperature effects and solubility of specific ingredients
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: sequences, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/01Source: “Determine mixing sequences based on temperature effects and solubility of specific ingredients.” (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: The chemistry behind mixing order is documented, though the judgement is made at the vessel.
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.
Reporting detected malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: detected malfunctions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/01Source: “Report detected malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors.” (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: Writing up a fault is simple reporting, but noticing it means being on the line.
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.
Notifying supervisors when machinery malfunctions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: supervisors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/03Source: “Notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions.” (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: Passing on a fault report is simple, but noticing the fault means being on the line.
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.
Enhancing equipment efficiency to increase productivity and reducing run-time
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment efficiency, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/03Source: “Enhance equipment efficiency to increase productivity and reduce run-time.” (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; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Ideas for speeding up a line can be worked out from data, but changes are made at the machine.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Resolving production issues and improving bakery product quality
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: production issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Resolve production issues and improve bakery product quality.” (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; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working out why quality slipped often means examining the product and the line in person.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Following bakery operations compliance systems to ensure product and safety standards are met
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bakery operations compliance systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/03Source: “Follow bakery operations compliance systems to ensure product and safety standards are met.” (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: Compliance paperwork can be drafted, but following the system happens on the bakery floor.
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.
Identifying and resolving dairy product quality issues using resources and involving stakeholders
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dairy product quality issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/02Source: “Identify and resolve dairy product quality issues using resources and involving stakeholders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low 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: Finding the cause of a quality problem usually means examining the product itself.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring temperature or pressure gauges
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: temperature, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/03Source: “Monitor temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters to ensure optimal processing conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 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: Sensors can log readings automatically, though on many lines someone still walks round and checks the gauges.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · 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.
Labelling bottled products accurately to reflect contents and compliance with regulations
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bottled products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/02Source: “Label bottled products accurately to reflect contents and compliance with regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 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: What the label must say is set out in law, but sticking it on the bottle is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · 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.
Modifying cooking operations based on sampling results to adjust time cycles and ingredients for desired qualities
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/01Source: “Modify cooking operations based on sampling results to adjust time cycles and ingredients for desired qualities.” (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: Deciding a change is informational, but making it happens at the cooker.
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.
Ensuring appropriate presentation and packaging of bakery products in line with workplace specifications and labelling legislation
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: appropriate presentation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/03Source: “Ensure appropriate presentation and packaging of bakery products in line with workplace specifications and labelling legislation.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Label wording follows published rules, but presenting and packing the products is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.
Conducting start-up, shut-down, changeover and handovers of manufacturing process
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: start-up, shut-down, changeover and handovers of manufacturing process, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Conduct start-up, shut-down, changeover, and handovers of manufacturing process.” (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: Starting up, shutting down and changing over a line is done at the plant, with a written handover after.
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.
Giving directions to workers assisting in the batchmaking process
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: directions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/01Source: “Give directions to workers assisting in the batchmaking process.” (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: Directing people on the production floor means being there with them.
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.
Testing new or improved dairy processes or products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: new or improved dairy processes or products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/02Source: “Test new or improved dairy processes or products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trialling a new process means making and testing real product.
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 2/4.
Operating brewing and distilling machinery to produce beverages
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 8111/01Source: “Operate brewing and distilling machinery to produce beverages.” (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: Running brewing and distilling plant means being at the machinery and operating 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 2/4.
Operating controls to set, activate and adjust machinery mechanisms
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8111/01Source: “Operate controls to set, activate, and adjust machinery mechanisms.” (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 and adjusting machine controls is done with hands 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.
Tasting product samples during production to evaluate flavour and bouquet
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: product samples during production, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8111/01Source: “Taste product samples during production to evaluate flavour and bouquet.” (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: Tasting a sample needs a human mouth, which no software has.
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 sterilising machinery to maintain high food safety standards
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/01Source: “Clean and sterilise machinery to maintain high food safety standards.” (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 sterilising machinery is physical work in the plant.
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 and operating production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: and operating production equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/01Source: “Set up and operate production equipment in accordance with current good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures.” (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: Setting up and running production equipment happens with hands on the plant.
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.
Inspecting vats after cleaning to ensure that fermentable residue
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: vats, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/01Source: “Inspect vats after cleaning to ensure that fermentable residue has been removed.” (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: Checking inside a vat means climbing to it and looking.
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.
Examining and feeling products to identify defects and variations from colouring and other processing standards
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/01Source: “Examine and feel products to identify defects and variations from colouring and other processing standards.” (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: Judging a product by look and feel needs hands and eyes on 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 2/4.
Mixing or blending ingredients according to recipes using a paddle or an agitator
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/01Source: “Mix or blend ingredients according to recipes using a paddle or an agitator.” (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: Mixing ingredients with a paddle or agitator 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.
Setting time and speed controls for mixing machines
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: time, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/01Source: “Set time and speed controls for mixing machines, blending machines, or steam kettles to mix or cook ingredients as instructed.” (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 machine timers and speeds is done at the controls.
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.
Homogenising material using a homogenising device to prevent separation
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/01Source: “Homogenise material using a homogenising device to prevent separation.” (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: Running material through a homogeniser is hands-on plant 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.
Pouring prescribed quantities of ingredients into cooking equipment manually or using a hoist
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: prescribed quantities of ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/01Source: “Pour prescribed quantities of ingredients into cooking equipment manually or using a hoist.” (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: Pouring ingredients into cooking equipment is lifting and 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.
Following recipes to produce food products of specified flavour
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: recipes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/01Source: “Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavour, texture, clarity, bouquet, or colour.” (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: Making the food to the recipe is physical production 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 3/4.
Testing food samples
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: food samples, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/01Source: “Test food samples for moisture, acidity, specific gravity, and butter-fat content until desired levels are achieved.” (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: Testing food samples means handling the samples and the laboratory 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 3/4.
Turning valves on panel control boards to obtain specified mixtures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: valves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 8111/01Source: “Turn valves on panel control boards to obtain specified mixtures.” (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: Turning valves on a control board is a hands-on action.
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.
Operating controls to start compressor engines
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/01Source: “Operate controls to start compressor engines, pumps, and auxiliary 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: Starting compressors and pumps is done at 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.
Turning knobs or switches to regulate pressures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: knobs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/01Source: “Turn knobs or switches to regulate pressures.” (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: Turning knobs and switches needs hands on the controls.
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 dairy processing equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dairy processing equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/02Source: “Clean and maintain dairy processing 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 and maintaining dairy plant 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.
Inspecting and maintaining equipment, machinery and structures
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, machinery and structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/02Source: “Inspect and maintain equipment, machinery, and structures.” (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: Inspecting and maintaining machinery means being at it with tools.
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.
Filling and labelling bottles or jars according to product specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bottles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/02Source: “Fill and label bottles or jars according to product 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: Filling and labelling containers is handling work on the line.
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.
Packaging dairy products for delivery
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dairy products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/02Source: “Package dairy products for delivery.” (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: Packing products for delivery 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.
Operating equipment for roasting, baking, drying or curing food items
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/03Source: “Operate equipment for roasting, baking, drying, or curing food 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: Operating ovens and dryers is hands-on plant 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.
Maintaining a clean and efficient bakery production environment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: a clean, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/03Source: “Maintain a clean and efficient bakery production environment.” (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 a bakery clean and tidy is physical work in the bakery.
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.
Producing bread products to specification using large scale production methods
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bread products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 8111/03Source: “Produce bread products to specification using large scale production methods.” (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: Producing bread at scale is physical production 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 3/4.
Cleaning equipment using steam, hot water and hoses
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/03Source: “Clean equipment using steam, hot water, and hoses.” (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 with steam and hoses is hands-on 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.
Opening valves, gates or chutes to load or remove products from ovens
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: valves, gates or chutes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/03Source: “Open valves, gates, or chutes to load or remove products from ovens.” (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 valves and chutes at an oven is a hands-on action.
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.
Producing pastries and confectionery
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: pastries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 8111/03Source: “Produce pastries and confectionery to specification, using large scale production methods.” (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: Producing pastries at scale is hands-on production 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 3/4.
Cleaning and lubricating equipment as part of machine maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/03Source: “Clean and lubricate equipment as part of machine maintenance.” (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 lubricating a machine is hands-on 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.
Preparing bakery products for customers
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bakery products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/03Source: “Prepare bakery products 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: Getting bakery products ready for customers is hands-on 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.
Setting temperature, pressure and time controls for operations
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: temperature, pressure and time controls, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 8111/03Source: “Set temperature, pressure, and time controls for operations.” (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 oven temperature and timer controls is done at the 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 2/4.
Clearing machine blockages using hand tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machine blockages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/03Source: “Clear machine blockages using hand tools.” (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: Clearing a blockage with hand tools 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.
Finishing craft bakery products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: craft bakery products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/03Source: “Finish craft bakery 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: Finishing craft bakery products is skilled 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 2/4.
Preparing and operating food and beverage production lines ensuring hygienic practices
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 8111/03Source: “Prepare and operate food and beverage production lines ensuring 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Preparing and running a production line hygienically is physical work in the plant.
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.
Carrying out first line routine maintenance and testing of process and plant equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: first line routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/03Source: “Carry out first line routine maintenance and testing of process and plant 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: Routine maintenance and testing of plant needs hands and tools 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.
Installing baking guides using hand tools for precise dough shaping
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: guides, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/03Source: “Install baking guides using hand tools for precise dough shaping.” (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: Fitting baking guides with hand tools 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.
Filling or removing product from trays
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: product, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 8111/03Source: “Fill or remove product from trays, trolleys, hoppers, or equipment, using scoops, peels, or shovels, or by hand.” (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: Loading and unloading trays and hoppers is lifting and 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.
Installing cutting blades on bakery equipment for efficient production
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: blades, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 8111/03Source: “Install cutting blades on bakery equipment for efficient production.” (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: Fitting blades to equipment is hands-on engineering 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.
Inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Inspect products to ensure they meet 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking that delivered products match the specification means physically examining them.
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.
Installing spray units using hand tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: spray units, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/03Source: “Install spray units using hand tools.” (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: Fitting spray units with hand tools 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.
Operating tobacco processing machinery to ensure product quality
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: tobacco processing machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 8111/04Source: “Operate tobacco processing machinery to ensure product quality.” (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: Running tobacco processing machinery is hands-on plant 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.
Placing tobacco products on conveyors for packaging
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: tobacco products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 8111/04Source: “Place tobacco products on conveyors for 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: Placing products onto a conveyor 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.
Packing inspected products for delivery
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: inspected products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 8111/04Source: “Pack inspected products for delivery.” (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: Packing inspected goods for delivery is hands-on 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.
Separating products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 8111/04Source: “Separate products according to weight, grade, size, or composition of materials used to produce them.” (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 products by weight, size or grade is physical handling on the line.
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.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £28,200a 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
- 129,900in 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: type of bakery product in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: recording production and testing data for each food product batch and recording type of bakery product processed for quality control. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where machinery operation 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: observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 7% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 3% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 90% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 68 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. Recording production and testing data for each food product batch 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 type of bakery product, 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 machinery operation 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 coordinating delivery of orders to maintain product freshness. 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 food, drink and tobacco process operatives (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was bakers and flour confectioners: only about 24% of its durable work is work you already do and there are far fewer of those jobs than of yours. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 10/100 here, with only 7% of the task list in the top band, and “operate brewing and distilling machinery to produce beverages” 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.
Bakers and flour confectioners
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “measure or weigh ingredients, using scales or measuring containers”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 24% 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 24% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. And it is a narrow door: about 26,800 of those jobs against 129,900 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 21% as many seats.
Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “clean and sterilise machinery to maintain high food safety standards”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 10% 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 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Chemical and related process operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “carry out first line routine maintenance and testing of process and plant equipment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 8% 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 8% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
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: 7% of its task weight, across 68 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 observing and listening to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions 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 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 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 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders, Food Batchmakers, Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders, Food Processing Workers, All Other, Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders and Cooling and Freezing Equipment 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
No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it
Nothing Collab365 runs is built for food / drink / tobacco process operatives, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 7% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.
The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for food / drink / tobacco process operatives. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for food / drink / tobacco process operatives launches. Nothing else.
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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 Food, drink and tobacco process operatives?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 68 official task statements scored for Food, drink and tobacco process operatives (United Kingdom, SOC 8111), 7% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 10 out of 100 (range 8–15, 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 “Food, drink and tobacco process operatives” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain production records detailing quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced” (69/100, high); “Record type of bakery product processed for quality control” (69/100, high); “Record the weights and processing times of finished pieces” (69/100, 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 “Food, drink and tobacco process operatives” stay human?
- About 90% 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: “Separate products according to weight, grade, size, or composition of materials used to produce them” (0/100, minimal); “Pack inspected products for delivery” (0/100, minimal); “Place tobacco products on conveyors for packaging” (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 “Food, drink and tobacco process operatives” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 7% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 90% 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 Food, drink and tobacco process operatives 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 68 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.
- 10 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.