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Kitchen and catering assistants

following food hygiene regulations, serving customers to ensure their satisfaction with products and services and setting up and keeping all eating and serving areas clean and tidy. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: following food hygiene regulations is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

What shifts is ordering items needed for kitchen and catering operations. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.

Your week, as this page understands it

Kitchen and catering assistants assist in the preparation and service of food and beverages in restaurants, cafés and other eating establishments, and perform various cleaning, fetching and carrying tasks. The job title says “kitchen” or “catering assistants”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: following food hygiene regulations. 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 kitchen and catering assistants is not one task. It is 48 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is following food hygiene regulations, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
0%
changing shape
2%
staying human
98%

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

Whole-job exposure score 5 out of 100 (3–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 48 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 kitchen and catering assistants 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.

Shifting to AI

0 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.

Nothing in this job’s scored task list landed in this group. That is the measurement, not an editorial choice, and it is worth knowing either way.

Changing shape

1 task

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.

  • Ordering items needed for kitchen and catering operations

    The software now makes the first pass at items, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Order items needed for kitchen and catering operations.” (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: Placing supplier orders from stock levels is largely a desk job that software handles well.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

47 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.

  • Following food hygiene regulations

    This work happens in the physical world: food hygiene regulations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 95 · 9263/00
    Source: “Follow food hygiene regulations.” (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: Hygiene rules are followed through hands-on practice at the worktop, so software cannot do it in the kitchen's place.

    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 3/4.

  • Cleaning or sanitising work areas

    This work happens in the physical world: work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Handling raw food according to food hygiene standards

    This work happens in the physical world: raw food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    Source: “Handle raw food according to food hygiene 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Handling raw ingredients safely is hands-on work that has to happen at the bench.

    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 3/4.

  • Operating specific kitchen equipment, including mixers, knives and cutters, for culinary tasks

    This work happens in the physical world: specific kitchen equipment, including mixers, knives and cutters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    Source: “Operate specific kitchen equipment, including mixers, knives, and cutters, for culinary 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: Using mixers, knives and cutters needs a person 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.

  • Performing serving, cleaning or restocking duties in establishments

    This work happens in the physical world: duties, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    Source: “Perform serving, cleaning, or restocking duties in establishments, such as canteens or dining rooms, to facilitate customer 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: Serving, cleaning and restocking all happen physically in the dining room.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Serving customers at tables or counters

    This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Serving meals to customers or clients

    This work happens in the physical world: meals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9263/00
    Source: “Serve meals to customers or clients.” (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: Putting meals in front of people is a hands-on job.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Washing pots, pans, dishes, utensils or other cooking equipment

    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 90 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Monitoring and recording food temperatures to ensure food safety

    This work happens in the physical world: food temperatures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Monitor and record food temperatures to ensure food safety.” (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 rating behind it: Readings must be taken physically from the food, though the record itself is routine paperwork.

    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 3/4.

Show the other 38 tasks

  • Recording amounts and types of special food items served to customers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: amounts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9263/00
    Source: “Record amounts and types of special food items served to customers.” (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: Keeping this record is straightforward data work once someone has seen what went out.

    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.

  • Informing supervisors of stock needs and shortages

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: supervisors of stock needs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9263/00
    Source: “Inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.” (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 shortages is simple, but noticing them means checking the shelves yourself.

    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.

  • Reporting malfunctioning equipment to supervisors to arrange repairs

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9263/00
    Source: “Report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors to arrange repairs.” (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: Reporting a fault is quick paperwork, but spotting it means being 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.

  • Managing and organising inventory in catering environments

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: inventory, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Manage and organise inventory in catering environments.” (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: Stock records and reorder levels suit software well, but counting what is on the shelf still needs someone there.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • 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 · 9263/00
    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.

  • 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 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Operating till to process cash or card sales

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: till, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9263/00
    Source: “Operate till to process cash or card sales.” (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: Working a till is done in person, though self-service checkouts already do the same job.

    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.

  • Examining trays to ensure that they contain required items

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: trays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Examine trays to ensure that they contain required items.” (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 rating behind it: Checking trays means being there looking at them, though matching against a list is routine.

    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 3/4.

  • Taking food and drink orders from customers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Take food and drink orders from customers.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Orders are usually taken face to face at the counter, though ordering systems already handle the routine part.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Monitoring food preparation methods for compliance with standards

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food preparation methods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9263/00
    Source: “Monitor food preparation methods for compliance with standards.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Checking how food is prepared means watching the kitchen, though the standards themselves are written down.

    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.

  • Taking and preparing takeaway orders

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: takeaway orders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9263/00
    Source: “Take and prepare takeaway orders.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Taking the order could be automated, but making the food up is hands-on.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Determining where patients or patrons would like to have their meals

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: where patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9263/00
    Source: “Determine where patients or patrons would like to have their meals.” (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: Asking patients in person is part of the job, and it is a short conversation at the bedside.

    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.

  • Cleaning or preparing various foods for cooking or serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: various foods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.” (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 cleaning food is manual work at the counter.

    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 kitchen appliances to clean and prepare food ingredients

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: kitchen appliances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Operate kitchen appliances to clean and prepare food ingredients.” (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 appliances to clean and prepare ingredients needs 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.

  • Peeling chop and deseed fruit and vegetables to prepare them for consumption

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: chop, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Peel, chop, and deseed fruit and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.” (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: Peeling, chopping and deseeding is manual knife work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Placing food directly on plates for service to customers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Place food directly on plates for service to 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: Plating food up is done by hand at the pass.

    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 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Restocking kitchen supplies

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: kitchen supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Restock kitchen supplies.” (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 means physically carrying and shelving supplies.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Serving customers to ensure their satisfaction with products and services

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Serve customers to ensure their satisfaction with products and services.” (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: Looking after customers at the counter needs someone there in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • 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 85 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Stocking supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, fridges or salad bars

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, fridges, or salad 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: Filling serving stations, cupboards and fridges 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 food items

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Wash 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: Washing food is done by hand 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 2/4.

  • Washing fruit and vegetables to ensure cleanliness before cooking or serving

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: fruit, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 9263/00
    Source: “Wash fruit and vegetables to ensure cleanliness before cooking or serving.” (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: Rinsing produce before cooking or serving 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.

  • Disinfecting or sterilising kitchen equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: kitchen equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9263/00
    Source: “Disinfect or sterilise kitchen 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: Sterilising kitchen equipment needs someone handling 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.

  • Measuring or weighing ingredients, using scales or measuring containers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: ingredients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9263/00
    Source: “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.

  • Placing food trays over food warmers for immediate service

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food trays over food warmers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9263/00
    Source: “Place food trays over food warmers for immediate 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: Moving trays onto warmers 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 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 80 · 9263/00
    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.

  • 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 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Storing food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9263/00
    Source: “Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.” (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: Putting food away correctly is physical handling in the store room.

    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.

  • Washing decks, conveyors, knives and other equipment, using brushes, detergents and water

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: decks, conveyors, knives and other equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9263/00
    Source: “Wash decks, conveyors, knives, and other equipment, using brushes, detergents, and water.” (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: Scrubbing equipment with brushes and detergent is entirely physical.

    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 a variety of foods according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: a variety of foods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9263/00
    Source: “Prepare a variety of foods according to customers' orders or supervisors' instructions, following approved 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: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cooking to order is manual 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 2/4.

  • Providing cooks with necessary ingredients and kitchen items

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: cooks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9263/00
    Source: “Provide cooks with necessary ingredients and kitchen 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: Fetching and handing over ingredients 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.

  • Assembling meal trays with foods in accordance with patients' diets

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: meal trays, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Assemble meal trays with foods in accordance with patients' diets.” (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: Putting the right food on each patient tray is hands-on assembly work in the kitchen.

    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 3/4.

  • Procuring food from storage

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: food, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Procure food from storage as needed.” (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: Fetching stock from the store 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.

  • Stirring soups and sauces

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: soups, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9263/00
    Source: “Stir soups and sauces.” (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: Stirring a pan is entirely hands-on.

    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 70 · 9263/00
    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.

  • Transporting items to work or storage areas using trolleys

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9263/00
    Source: “Transport items to work or storage areas using trolleys.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Moving trolleys of stock 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.

  • Unloading deliveries for retail or catering operations

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: deliveries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9263/00
    Source: “Unload deliveries for retail or catering 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: Unloading a delivery is heavy 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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
£22,900a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this

Source: ashe-t14

Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)

Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.

People doing this job
424,300in 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: items in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: ordering items needed for kitchen and catering operations. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where food hygiene regulations get 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: following food hygiene regulations is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 0% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 2% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 98% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 48 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. Ordering items needed for kitchen and catering operations 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 items, 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 food hygiene regulations are 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 ordering items needed for kitchen and catering operations. 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 kitchen and catering assistants (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was cooks: only about 33% 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 5/100 here, with only 0% of the task list in the top band, and “follow food hygiene regulations” 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.

  • Cooks

    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 or prepare various foods for cooking or serving”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 33% 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 33% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route. And it is a narrow door: about 47,500 of those jobs against 424,300 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 11% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Coffee shop workers

    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 30% 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 30% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route. And it is a narrow door: about 79,300 of those jobs against 424,300 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 19% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Waiters and waitresses

    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 23% 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 23% 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: 0% of its task weight, across 48 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 following food hygiene regulations 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 Cooks, Fast Food 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 Cooks, Fast Food, Food Preparation Workers, Fast Food and Counter Workers, Food Servers, Nonrestaurant, Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers, Dishwashers and Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other. 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.

Why there is no community here

Collab365, who build this site, run paid Spaces for a small number of subjects, and none of them is built for this job. We are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

So the free services listed on this page are the whole answer, and it is the same answer we would give a friend.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for kitchen / catering assistants launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for kitchen / catering assistants 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 kitchen / catering assistants existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for kitchen / catering assistants 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 Kitchen and catering assistants?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 48 official task statements scored for Kitchen and catering assistants (United Kingdom, SOC 9263), 0% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 5 out of 100 (range 3–10, 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 “Kitchen and catering assistants” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Order items needed for kitchen and catering operations” (56/100, partial); “Record amounts and types of special food items served to customers” (38/100, low); “Inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages” (32/100, low). 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 “Kitchen and catering assistants” stay human?
About 98% 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: “Unload deliveries for retail or catering operations” (0/100, minimal); “Transport items to work or storage areas using trolleys” (0/100, minimal); “Sweep floors” (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 “Kitchen and catering assistants” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 0% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 98% 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 Kitchen and catering assistants 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 48 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.

How we score a jobDownload this releaseLook up another job

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 . 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.