Futureproof

UK dataswitch to US

Market research interviewers

carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products, timing traffic lights or other delays using stopwatches and calculating time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: compiling, recording and coding results or data from interviews or surveys using a computer or specified form is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. That is more in your control than it sounds.

Your week, as this page understands it

Market research interviewers conduct interviews to collect information on the opinions and preferences of consumers, businesses, the electorate and other selected groups. The job title says “market research interviewers”. The real job is the part underneath: carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products. 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 market research interviewers is not one task. It is 69 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
37%
changing shape
10%
staying human
53%

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

Whole-job exposure score 42 out of 100 (3848 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 69 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 market research interviewers 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

27 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.

  • Compiling, recording and coding results or data from interviews or surveys using a computer or specified form

    This is reading one thing and writing another: results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 90 · 7214/01
    Source:Compile, record, and code results or data from interviews or surveys using a computer or specified form.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (8997 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Coding and recording survey responses is structured data work software handles accurately at high volume.

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

  • Writing up reports accurately and descriptively after completing mystery shops

    This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 90 · 7214/02
    Source:Write up reports accurately and descriptively after completing mystery shops.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (6882 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Writing up a visit from notes into a clear structured report is exactly what drafting tools are good at.

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

  • Conducting customer satisfaction surveys via telephone or online to gather feedback on products or services

    This is reading one thing and writing another: customer satisfaction surveys via telephone in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 7214/01
    Source:Conduct customer satisfaction surveys via telephone or online to gather feedback on products or services.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (5771 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Online surveys are automated already, and telephone surveys follow a script.

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

  • Contacting individuals to schedule interviews at their home or place of business

    This is reading one thing and writing another: individuals in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 7214/01
    Source:Contact individuals to schedule interviews at their home or place of business.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7583 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: Arranging interview appointments is scheduling and messaging that booking software already handles.

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

Changing shape

7 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

  • Evaluating the brand's customer experience

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

    importance 90 · 7214/02
    Source:Evaluate the brand's customer experience.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (4963 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: Turning visit notes and feedback into an assessment of the customer experience is analysis software does 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.

  • Reviewing different services and products

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

    importance 85 · 7214/02
    Source:Review different services and products.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (4963 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: Writing structured reviews of services and products is well-trodden ground for text tools.

    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.

  • Completing surveys evaluating the product or experience

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

    importance 80 · 7214/02
    Source:Complete surveys evaluating the product or experience.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (4963 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: Filling in evaluation forms from observations is quick, structured writing.

    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

35 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.

  • Carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products

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

    importance 95 · 7214/02
    Source:Carry out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: A mystery shop means physically visiting the premises and being served like any customer.

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

  • Collecting data from hand count sheets

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

    importance 90 · 7214/04
    Source:Collect data from hand count sheets, machine count tapes, and radar speed checks.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (3145 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: Transferring counts and readings into data is easy, but the sheets and tapes come from roadside kit.

    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.

  • Carrying out undercover assignments

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

    importance 90 · 7214/02
    Source:Carry out undercover assignments.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (07 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: Going somewhere in person and passing as an ordinary customer is the whole job here.

    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 1/4.

Show the other 59 tasks
  • Organising survey results for data analysis

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: survey results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 7214/01
    Source:Organise survey results for data analysis.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (8997 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Tidying and coding survey responses ready for analysis is routine data work software does very well.

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

  • Writing and managing the distribution of surveys and questionnaires

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: the distribution of surveys in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 7214/01
    Source:Write and manage the distribution of surveys and questionnaires.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (86100 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Writing surveys and managing their distribution is structured, largely automated work these tools handle well.

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

  • Identifying and recording specific addresses and households for census or marketing purposes

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: specific addresses in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/01
    Source:Identify and record specific addresses and households for census or marketing purposes.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (8997 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Identifying and recording addresses and households comes from address registers, which software matches and records well.

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

  • Coding collected study data for analysis

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: collected study data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/04
    Source:Code collected study data for analysis.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (8997 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Sorting survey answers into codes is a well-defined text job software now does at least as accurately.

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

  • Preparing documentation, charts, photos or graphs

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: documentation, charts, photos or graphs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/04
    Source:Prepare documentation including charts, photos, or graphs.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (8997 allowing for uncertainty): very 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 collected figures into charts and graphs is something software does instantly and well.

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

  • Managing extensive databases to support political canvassing efforts

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: extensive databases in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/03
    Source:Manage extensive databases to support political canvassing efforts.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (7785 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Running large contact databases is core software work, with someone accountable for data protection.

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

  • Creating detailed prospect lists for targeted marketing campaigns

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed prospect lists in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/03
    Source:Create detailed prospect lists for targeted marketing campaigns.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (7785 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Building targeted prospect lists from data is exactly the kind of filtering software does best.

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

  • Calculating time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: time settings in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 7214/04
    Source:Calculate time settings for traffic signals or speed restrictions, using standard formulas.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (7785 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Signal timings come from standard formulas applied to counted flows, which is straightforward calculation.

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

  • Preparing work orders for repair of traffic systems

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: work orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/04
    Source:Prepare work orders for repair of traffic systems.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (7785 allowing for uncertainty): very 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: Work orders are standard forms filled from known fault details, which systems generate easily.

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

  • Describing survey objectives and procedures to interviewees

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: survey objectives in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 7214/01
    Source:Describe survey objectives and procedures to interviewees.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7286 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Explaining a survey purpose and rules is standard scripted information software can deliver, usually alongside a person.

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

  • Passing organised results to a supervisor

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: organised results in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/01
    Source:Pass organised results to a supervisor.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7286 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Handing finished results to a supervisor is a simple transfer that systems already do automatically.

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

  • Taking orders for campaign materials to support election efforts

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 7214/03
    Source:Take orders for campaign materials to support election efforts.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7583 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: Taking orders for materials is straightforward form and order-entry work systems handle routinely.

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

  • Ordering materials to support campaign activities

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 7214/03
    Source:Order materials to support campaign activities.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7583 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: Ordering supplies against a list is standard purchasing admin that software does well.

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

  • Answering the public's traffic-related enquiries

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: the public's traffic-related enquiries in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Answer the public's traffic-related enquiries.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (7583 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: Answering routine traffic questions from published information is well suited to automated response tools.

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

  • Reviewing data obtained from interview for completeness and accuracy

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 7214/01
    Source:Review data obtained from interview for completeness and accuracy.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (6882 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Checking answers for gaps and errors is routine, though some accuracy checks mean going back to the person.

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

  • Analysing the quality of customer service

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: the quality of customer service in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 80 · 7214/02
    Source:Analyse the quality of customer service provided.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (7179 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: Reviewing call and chat records against quality standards is analysis that tools do quickly and consistently.

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

  • Studying traffic patterns to identify engineering problems and assess project impact

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: traffic patterns in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 75 · 7214/04
    Source:Study traffic patterns to identify engineering problems and assess project impact.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (7179 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: Studying traffic patterns is analysis of counted and modelled data.

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

  • Storing survey information securely to ensure data protection

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: survey information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/01
    Source:Store survey information securely to ensure data protection.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (6270 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: Secure storage of survey data is a standard, well-documented process, though someone stays responsible for it.

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

  • Providing assistance with plan preparation or revision for traffic management or barricade plans

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: assistance in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 7214/04
    Source:Provide assistance with plan preparation or revision for traffic management or barricade plans.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (5973 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Drafting and revising traffic management drawings follows set conventions that software can apply.

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

  • Answering telephone calls and directing them appropriately

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: telephone calls in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/01
    Source:Answer telephone calls and direct them appropriately.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (5771 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Taking calls and routing them is transactional, and automated systems already do much of it.

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

  • Informing investigators of identified problems

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: investigators of identified problems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/01
    Source:Inform investigators of identified problems.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (5771 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Flagging problems found in fieldwork is straightforward reporting that systems can generate as they go.

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

  • Managing customer enquiries and issues

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: customer enquiries in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 7214/01
    Source:Manage customer enquiries and issues.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (6068 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: Routine enquiries and complaints follow familiar patterns, so software drafts good replies, with awkward cases passed to a person.

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

  • Receiving information from salespeople or merchants by telephone

    shifting to AI

    This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 60 · 7214/02
    Source:Receive information from salespeople or merchants by telephone.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (5771 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Taking details over the phone and entering them is straightforward, repeatable work.

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

  • Presenting and reviewing traffic routing plans and control-point locations with superiors for approval

    changing shape

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

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Present and review traffic routing plans and control-point locations with superiors for approval.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (4963 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: Plans and drawings can be prepared automatically, but they are talked through with a manager who approves them.

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

  • Providing road information to assist motorists

    changing shape

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

    importance 50 · 7214/04
    Source:Provide road information to assist motorists.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (4957 allowing for uncertainty): partial 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: Road and route information is published and abundant, so software answers most of these questions 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 4/4.

  • Establishing procedures for road closures

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at procedures, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 65 · 7214/04
    Source:Establish procedures for road closures.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (4155 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; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Closure procedures follow published standards, though a qualified person must own the safety decisions.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Reviewing traffic management or barricade plans to issue permits for events affecting rights of way

    changing shape

    The software now makes the first pass at traffic management, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Review traffic management or barricade plans to issue permits for events affecting rights of way.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (4155 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; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Checking plans against rules is document work, but issuing a permit is an official decision someone must own.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Identifying and resolving inconsistencies in interviewees' responses through questioning or explanation

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles inconsistencies and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 80 · 7214/01
    Source:Identify and resolve inconsistencies in interviewees' responses through questioning or explanation.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (3246 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Chasing inconsistent answers needs a live conversation, though software can flag which answers do not add up.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Interpreting survey questions to enhance interviewees' understanding

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles survey questions and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 75 · 7214/01
    Source:Interpret survey questions to enhance interviewees' understanding.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (3246 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Clarifying what a survey question means is scripted help, but doing it mid-interview needs the interviewer there.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Conducting follow-up communications with potential voters

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles follow-up communications and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 85 · 7214/03
    Source:Conduct follow-up communications with potential voters.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (3246 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Follow-up calls and messages can largely be automated, though voters respond better to a real person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Assessing the effectiveness of signs and road markings on traffic flow

    staying human

    The ratings behind this row put the effectiveness of signs well outside what today's tools can do on their own.

    importance 80 · 7214/04
    Source:Assess the effectiveness of signs and road markings on traffic flow.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (3145 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.

    The rating behind it: Data can show what changed, but judging whether signs actually work needs local knowledge and site visits.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.

  • Recommending methods to improve traffic flow and safety

    staying human

    The ratings behind this row put methods well outside what today's tools can do on their own.

    importance 80 · 7214/04
    Source:Recommend methods to improve traffic flow and safety.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (3145 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.

    The rating behind it: Standard measures are well documented, so drafts come easily, but a qualified engineer decides what is actually proposed.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.

  • Evaluating the impact of lighting on traffic conditions

    staying human

    The ratings behind this row put the impact well outside what today's tools can do on their own.

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Evaluate the impact of lighting on traffic conditions.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (3145 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.

    The rating behind it: Lighting standards are documented, but judging real effects on a specific road needs site observation.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.

  • Making telesales and marketing research calls to new and existing customers

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles telesales and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 60 · 7214/01
    Source:Make telesales and market research calls to new and existing customers.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (2842 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: These are live calls where the response depends on the person making them.

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

  • Questioning applicants to obtain required information

    staying human

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

    importance 80 · 7214/01
    Source:Question applicants to obtain required information such as name, address, or age.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (2539 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: Standard questions can be asked by an online form, but this work involves calling on people directly.

    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.

  • Recruiting and training panels or focus groups

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles panels and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 50 · 7214/01
    Source:Recruit and train panels or focus groups.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (2337 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Screening and scheduling can be automated, but persuading and briefing panellists still works better person to person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Establishing procedures for construction projects to minimise traffic disruption and ensuring safety

    staying human

    The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for procedures, and that person cannot be a piece of software.

    importance 70 · 7214/04
    Source:Establish procedures for construction projects to minimise traffic disruption and ensure safety.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 27 out of 100 (2034 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Standard templates exist, but safe traffic management for a specific site needs qualified judgement and local knowledge.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Assisting clients in accurately completing various forms and applications

    staying human

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

    importance 60 · 7214/01
    Source:Assist clients in accurately completing various forms and applications.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (1933 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Form filling is well-documented work software handles, but carers usually sit with the person to gather the details.

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

  • Monitoring the quality of the service to customers

    staying human

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

    importance 85 · 7214/02
    Source:Monitor the quality of the service to customers.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (1731 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: Some service quality shows up in data, but much of it is seen by walking the floor.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Evaluating projects' impact on traffic and traffic control adequacy at development sites

    staying human

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

    importance 80 · 7214/04
    Source:Evaluate projects' impact on traffic and traffic control adequacy at development sites.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (1529 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: Standard methods are documented, but the decisive evidence comes from counts and observation at the site.

    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 2/4.

  • Recording people's answers, sometimes videoing them during the interview

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: people's answers, sometimes videoing them during the interview, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 7214/01
    Source:Record people's answers, sometimes videoing them during the interview.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (923 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: Recording and transcribing answers is easy to automate, but the interview itself happens face to face.

    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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Studying traffic delays by noting times of delays

    staying human

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

    importance 70 · 7214/04
    Source:Study traffic delays by noting times of delays, the numbers of vehicles affected, and vehicle speed through the delay area.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (721 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: The analysis is easy once collected, but the delay observations are made at the roadside.

    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.

  • Participating in national, regional or local population surveys as a Census Enumerator

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: national, regional or local population surveys, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 65 · 7214/01
    Source:Participate in national, regional, or local population surveys as a Census Enumerator.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (014 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Census enumeration means visiting addresses and knocking on doors, even though online returns now cover much of it.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Encouraging people to participate in the survey

    staying human

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

    importance 70 · 7214/01
    Source:Encourage people to participate in the survey.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (013 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: Persuading a stranger to give up their time works through presence and warmth in the moment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Supervising the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices by technicians or labourers

    staying human

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

    importance 65 · 7214/04
    Source:Supervise the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices by technicians or labourers.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (012 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: Supervising crews installing road signs and signals means being out on the road with them.

    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 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Interviewing people in person within the community

    staying human

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

    importance 85 · 7214/01
    Source:Interview people in person within the community.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 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: Doorstep and street interviewing is defined by being there in person and persuading someone to talk.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Distributing literature detailing political platforms to engage voters

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: literature detailing political platforms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 7214/03
    Source:Distribute literature detailing political platforms to engage voters.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Handing out leaflets to voters means being on the doorstep or street with 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 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Delivering messages or materials

    staying human

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

    importance 70 · 7214/03
    Source:Deliver messages or materials by walking, riding bicycles, driving vehicles, or using public transport.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 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 a parcel from one place to another means physically travelling with 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.

  • Engaging with customers face-to-face to market goods

    staying human

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

    importance 60 · 7214/03
    Source:Engage with customers face-to-face to market goods.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 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: Selling from a stall is face-to-face patter with people walking past.

    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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Stocking carts or stands for market trading and canvassing activities

    staying human

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

    importance 60 · 7214/03
    Source:Stock carts or stands for market trading and canvassing activities.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 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 a cart with stock is carrying and arranging goods by hand.

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

  • Operating counters to assess the volume

    staying human

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

    importance 90 · 7214/04
    Source:Operate counters to assess the volume, type, and movement of traffic at specified times.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (07 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Manual traffic counts mean standing at the roadside watching vehicles at set times.

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

  • Measuring and recording the speed of vehicular traffic

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: the speed of vehicular traffic, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 85 · 7214/04
    Source:Measure and record the speed of vehicular traffic, using electrical timing devices or radar equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (07 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Radar speed checks require someone at the roadside pointing the equipment at traffic.

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

  • Timing traffic lights or other delays using stopwatches

    staying human

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

    importance 80 · 7214/04
    Source:Time traffic lights or other delays using stopwatches.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (07 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Timing delays with a stopwatch means standing at the junction while it happens.

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

  • Installing traffic management systems in urban or rural areas

    staying human

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

    importance 75 · 7214/04
    Source:Install traffic management systems in urban or rural areas.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Installing equipment on real roads is hands-on work software cannot carry out.

    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.

  • Adjusting surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy

    staying human

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

    importance 70 · 7214/04
    Source:Adjust surveying instruments to maintain their accuracy.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Adjusting an instrument is done with hands on the equipment, so software cannot do 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.

  • Maintaining traffic survey equipment

    staying human

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

    importance 70 · 7214/04
    Source:Maintain traffic survey equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Servicing roadside survey equipment means going out and working on the kit.

    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.

  • Conducting field repairs on survey equipment

    staying human

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

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Conduct field repairs on survey equipment, including part replacements on traffic data devices.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Swapping parts on roadside equipment is hands-on repair work in the field.

    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 and securing automatic counters using power tools

    staying human

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

    importance 60 · 7214/04
    Source:Place and secure automatic counters using power tools.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

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

    The rating behind it: Fixing automatic counters to the road with power tools is physical roadside 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.

  • Interviewing motorists about specific junctions or motorways to gather road-condition information for use in planning

    staying human

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

    importance 50 · 7214/04
    Source:Interview motorists about specific junctions or motorways to gather road-condition information for use in planning.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (04 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: Roadside interviews with drivers mean flagging people down and speaking to them in person.

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

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
No median pay figure is published for this exact group, so there is none here. We would rather show you the gap than a number borrowed from somewhere else.The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
People doing this job
7,400in 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: the brand's customer experience in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: compiling, recording and writing up reports accurately and descriptively after completing mystery shops. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where mystery shops 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

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Compiling, recording is going; carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products is not.

So, given all that: 37% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 10% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 53% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 69 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.

This week: one thing

Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.

What you end up holding
your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
How long it takes
about twenty minutes

If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles carrying out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services and products, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. 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 market research interviewers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was road construction operatives: only about 6% of its durable work is work you already do. Your own job splits about 37/63: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “carry out mystery shops to observe and gather information about clients' services…”, and let the exposed end go.

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.

  • Road construction operatives

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already assess the effectiveness of signs and road markings on traffic flow, and their equivalent is to apply road markings for traffic management. Across both published task lists that is about 6% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Call and contact centre occupations

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “make telesales and market research calls to new and existing customers”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% 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 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. I will not move you off one melting floe onto another: 58% of its own task list already scores in the top exposure band (61/100 in this release), so the same software is eating it. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Rail transport operatives

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already recommend methods to improve traffic flow and safety, and their equivalent is to direct traffic flow. Across both published task lists that is about 4% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.

    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: 37% of its task weight, across 69 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • The whole-job doom story

    Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.

  • Panic-buying a course

    Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.

  • 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 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan 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 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan and Traffic Technicians. 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.

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for market research interviewers, 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 37% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free

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 market research interviewers. 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 market research interviewers 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 market research interviewers 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 market research interviewers 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 market research interviewers 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 Market research interviewers?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 69 official task statements scored for Market research interviewers (United Kingdom, SOC 7214), 37% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 42 out of 100 (range 38–48, band: partial). 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 “Market research interviewers” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Compile, record, and code results or data from interviews or surveys using a computer or specified form” (93/100, very high); “Organise survey results for data analysis” (93/100, very high); “Write and manage the distribution of surveys and questionnaires” (93/100, very 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 “Market research interviewers” stay human?
About 53% 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: “Interview motorists about specific junctions or motorways to gather road-condition information for use in planning” (0/100, minimal); “Place and secure automatic counters using power tools” (0/100, minimal); “Conduct field repairs on survey equipment, including part replacements on traffic data devices” (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 “Market research interviewers” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 37% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 53% 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 Market research interviewers 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 69 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

  • The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
  • 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.
  • 25 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.
  • ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
  • 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
no pay figure published for this groupnomis-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}
}

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.