Will AI replace Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 64 official task statements scored for Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers (United Kingdom, SOC 9211), 2% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 8 out of 100 (range 6–13, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Record address changes” (93/100, very high); “Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail” (69/100, high); “Maintain accurate records of deliveries” (41/100, partial). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” stay human?

About 95% 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: “Tie products in bundles for further processing or shipment, following prescribed procedures” (0/100, minimal); “Rewrap soiled or broken parcels” (0/100, minimal); “Load and unload goods from lorries for delivery and transport operations” (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 “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 2% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 95% 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 Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers 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 64 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers

accepting and checking containers of post or parcels from large volume mailers, routing sorted mail to designated areas within deadlines and selecting appropriate dispatch services for sorted mail. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 2%
changing shape: 3%
staying human: 95%

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

Whole-job exposure score 8 out of 100 (6–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 64 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 postal workers, mail sorters and messengers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is recording address changes: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers collect, receive, sort and deliver mail, documents, correspondence or messages, either between or within establishments. The job title says “postal workers”, “mail sorters” or “messengers”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes. 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 postal workers, mail sorters and messengers is not one task. It is 64 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 2%
changing shape: 3%
staying human: 95%

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

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
10 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

2 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.

Recording address changes
This is reading one thing and writing another: address changes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 9211/01
Source: “Record address changes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 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: Typing a customer new address into the system is straightforward data entry that software handles end to end.
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.
Searching directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail
This is reading one thing and writing another: directories in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 9211/02
Source: “Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Looking up a correct address in a directory is exactly the kind of search software does instantly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

2 tasks

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

Maintaining accurate records of deliveries
The software now makes the first pass at accurate records of deliveries, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 9211/01
Source: “Maintain accurate records of deliveries.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 41 out of 100 (34–48 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Delivery scanning already records this automatically, though the scan itself happens as the round is walked.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Determining the manner in which post is to be sent
The software now makes the first pass at the manner, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Determine the manner in which post is to be sent.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 41 out of 100 (34–48 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Choosing how something is sent follows published rules, though it happens at the bench with the item.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

Staying human

60 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.

Bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes
This work happens in the physical world: mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/01, 9211/02
Source: “Bundle mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes.” (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: Bundling mail is hands-on work with the items themselves.
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.
Accepting and checking containers of post or parcels from large volume mailers
This work happens in the physical world: containers of post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 9211/02
Source: “Accept and check containers of post or parcels from large volume mailers, couriers, and contractors.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 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 in containers from bulk mailers and couriers means being at the loading bay to receive them.
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 3/4.
Collecting outgoing post using trolleys
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 9211/02
Source: “Collect outgoing post using trolleys as necessary.” (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: Collecting outgoing post with trolleys 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.
Attaching identifying tags to containers specifying contents or destination
This work happens in the physical world: tags, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Attach identifying tags to containers specifying contents or destination.” (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: Label details come from the system, but someone still has to fix tags to the containers.
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.
Checking items for correct addressing
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Check items for correct addressing, proper postage, and processing suitability.” (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: Reading an address or checking postage is simple, but you have to have the item in front of you.
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.
Delivering post to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/01
Source: “Deliver post to residences and business establishments along specified routes by walking or driving, using a combination of satchels, trolleys, cars, and small vans.” (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: Delivering post means walking or driving the round and putting items through doors.
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.

Show the other 54 tasks

Selecting appropriate dispatch services for sorted mail
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate dispatch services, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Select appropriate dispatch services for sorted mail.” (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: Picking the right dispatch service is a rules lookup, though it is done with the item on the bench.
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.
Answering customers' questions about postal services and regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers' questions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/01
Source: “Answer customers' questions about postal services and regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Postal rules and prices are fully published, so answering these questions is well within what software already does.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reporting mail sorting issues beyond personal control to supervisors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: mail sorting issues beyond personal control, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Report mail sorting issues beyond personal control to supervisors.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Writing up a fault is simple reporting, but noticing it means being at the machine.
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.
Operating and monitoring IT systems used for automated sorting and sequencing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: IT systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Operate and monitor IT systems used for automated sorting and sequencing.” (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: Watching the sorting software is partly screen work, but you have to be on the floor to act when something stops.
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.
Weighing items to determine required postage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Weigh items to determine required postage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: 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 postage tables are published and simple to apply, but the item has to be put on the scales.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Determining the volume and weight of goods for costing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the volume, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/02
Source: “Determine the volume and weight of goods for costing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: 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 costing maths is trivial, but measuring and weighing goods has to be done physically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Directing items according to established routing schemes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Direct items according to established routing schemes, using computer-controlled keyboards or voice-recognition equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (9–29 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
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 routing rules are well documented, but the keying happens with the items in front of you at the frame.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading and responding to data for sortation equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: data, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Read and respond to data for sortation equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The equipment data is readable, but responding to it means being at the machine to act.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Examining goods to identify their destination labelling
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: goods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Examine goods to identify their destination labelling.” (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: Reading a destination label is easy, but you need the item in your hands to read 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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining the nature of goods and selecting the most suitable approach to sorting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the nature of goods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Determine the nature of goods and select the most suitable approach to sorting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Deciding how something should be sorted is quick judgement, but it needs the goods in front of you.
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.
Sort post that other workers have been unable to sort
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Sort post that other workers have been unable to sort.” (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: Working out a difficult address is a lookup job, but the item still has to be in your hands.
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 associated charges and completing any necessary paperwork
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: associated charges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/01
Source: “Collect associated charges and complete any necessary paperwork.” (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: The paperwork side is routine, but collecting charges happens at the customer doorstep.
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.
Adhering to health and safety requirements in the workplace
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Adhere to health and safety requirements in the workplace.” (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: Rules and reminders can be produced easily, but working safely on a delivery round is something the person does, not a computer.
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.
Inspecting mail machine output for defects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: mail machine output, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Inspect mail machine output for defects.” (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: Spotting defects in what the machine produces means looking at and handling the output.
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.
Identifying damaged goods and act according to organisational requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: damaged goods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Identify damaged goods and act according to organisational requirements.” (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: Identifying damaged goods means handling and inspecting them.
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.
Checking the condition of items
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the condition of items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Check the condition of items.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Judging whether an item is damaged usually means picking it up and feeling 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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Meeting organisational targets for express delivery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: organisational targets, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Meet organisational targets for express delivery, by coordinating own work with that of the sorting hub team.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Hitting express targets depends on how fast you and the hub team physically work through the mail.
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 2/4.
Collecting mail from post boxes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/01
Source: “Collect mail from post boxes, post offices, and businesses.” (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: Emptying post boxes and picking up from businesses means physically going and collecting.
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.
Meeting schedules for the collection and return of post
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: schedules, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/01
Source: “Meet schedules for the collection and return of post.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Meeting collection and return times is about getting the physical round done on schedule.
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.
Sorting post for a route
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/01
Source: “Sort post for a route, by hand or using machinery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sorting a round means handling the actual letters and parcels.
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.
Leaving notices telling customers where to collect post that could not
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: notices telling customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/01
Source: “Leave notices telling customers where to collect post that could not be delivered.” (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: Leaving a card at the address means being at the door.
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.
Scanning labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: labels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/01
Source: “Scan labels on letters or parcels to confirm receipt.” (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: Scanning each letter or parcel means physically picking it up and passing it under a scanner.
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.
Handing in money and receipts collected along mail routes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: money, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/01
Source: “Hand in money and receipts collected along mail routes.” (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: Handing over cash and receipts is a physical handover at the office.
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.
Moving post to and from processing centres
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/01
Source: “Move post to and from processing centres, delivery offices, railway stations and airports.” (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 mail between depots, stations and airports is transport 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.
Sorting library post and parcels for delivery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: library post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/01
Source: “Sort library post and parcels for delivery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sorting library post and parcels means handling the items.
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.
Redirecting post for specified addresses on delivery routes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 9211/01
Source: “Redirect post for specified addresses on delivery routes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 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: Redirecting items on a route means pulling and relabelling the physical post.
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 3/4.
Holding post for customers who are away from delivery locations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/01
Source: “Hold post for customers who are away from delivery locations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 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: Holding someone post means physically keeping their items at the delivery office.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · 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.
Distributing change of address cards and other forms to customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: change of address cards, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9211/01
Source: “Distribute change of address cards and other forms 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Handing forms and cards to customers means being on the round.
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 3/4.
Signing for cash-on-delivery and registered post before leaving the post office
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cash-on-delivery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 9211/01
Source: “Sign for cash-on-delivery and registered post before leaving the post office.” (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: Signing for cash-on-delivery and registered items is a physical custody handover.
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.
Complying with all relevant sorting procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all relevant sorting procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Comply with all relevant sorting procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 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: Following sorting procedures happens while you are doing the physical sorting.
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.
Dumping sacks of post onto conveyors for culling and sorting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sacks of post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Dump sacks of post onto conveyors for culling and sorting.” (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: Tipping sacks onto a conveyor 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 1/4.
Labelling sorted mail based on destinations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sorted mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Label sorted mail based on destinations.” (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: Labelling sorted mail means handling and marking the actual items.
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.
Sorting incoming or outgoing letters or parcels into sacks or bins based on destination or type
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: letters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 9211/02
Source: “Sort incoming or outgoing letters or parcels into sacks or bins based on destination or type.” (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 letters and parcels into the right sack or bin is physical sorting.
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.
Affixing postage to materials prepared for shipping using a postage meter
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: postage, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Affix postage to materials prepared for shipping using a postage meter.” (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 postage onto items with a meter is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Handing stamp mail to cancel postage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stamp mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Hand stamp mail to cancel postage.” (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: Hand stamping mail is physical work with each item.
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.
Lifting containers of mail onto equipment for transport to sorting stations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: containers of mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Lift containers of mail onto equipment for transport to sorting stations.” (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: Lifting mail containers onto equipment is manual handling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Moving containers of mail
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: containers of mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Move containers of mail using equipment such as forklifts and automated 'trains'.” (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 containers with forklifts and mail trains is vehicle and equipment work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating barcode sorters for sorting purposes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: barcode sorters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Operate barcode sorters for sorting purposes.” (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: Running a barcode sorter means being at the machine feeding and watching 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.
Placing sorted mail on conveyors for distribution
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sorted mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Place sorted mail on conveyors for distribution.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Placing mail onto conveyors is manual 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.
Routing sorted mail to designated areas within deadlines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sorted mail, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Route sorted mail to designated areas within deadlines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Getting sorted mail to the right area means physically moving 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.
Sorting and distributing incoming post within the office
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post within the office, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 9211/02
Source: “Sort and distribute incoming post within the office.” (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: Physical post has to be picked up and carried to desks.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Clearing blockages in sorting equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: blockages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Clear blockages in sorting 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: Clearing a jam means reaching into 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.
Operating manual and semi-automated sorting machinery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: manual, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Operate manual and semi-automated sorting machinery, such as manual hopper feeds.” (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: Feeding hoppers and running sorting machinery is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Sorting odd-sized post by hand
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: odd-sized post, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 9211/02
Source: “Sort odd-sized post by hand.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sorting awkward-shaped items by hand 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.
Calibrating sorting equipment before and after operation cycles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Calibrate sorting equipment before and after operation cycles.” (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: Calibrating sorting equipment means adjusting the machine itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Opening and labelling post containers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: post containers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Open and label post 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Opening and labelling containers 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 3/4.
Segregating post requiring special handling
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 9211/02
Source: “Segregate post requiring special handling.” (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: Separating out items needing special handling means moving the actual post.
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.
Loading machines with objects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Load machines with objects to be processed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Loading machines 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.
Removing printed materials like labelled articles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: printed materials like labelled articles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Remove printed materials like labelled articles, postmarked envelopes, or tape, and folded sheets from machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking finished material off machines is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Sealing envelopes using machines designed for bulk mailing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: envelopes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Seal envelopes using machines designed for bulk mailing.” (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: Running envelopes through a sealing machine is machine-side work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Starting machines, monitor operations and making adjustments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machines, monitor operations and making adjustments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 9211/02
Source: “Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments 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: Starting a machine and adjusting it while it runs happens 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.
Loading and unloading goods from lorries for delivery and transporting operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: goods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/02
Source: “Load and unload goods from lorries for delivery and transport 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: Loading and unloading mail and parcels is lifting and carrying that has to be done 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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Rewraping soiled or broken parcels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: soiled, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/02
Source: “Rewrap soiled or broken parcels.” (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: Rewrapping a damaged parcel is done by hand 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Tying products in bundles for further processing or shipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 9211/02
Source: “Tie products in bundles for further processing or shipment, following prescribed 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: Tying products into bundles is manual work with the goods in front of you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £31,700a 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: 111,200in 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: address changes in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: recording address changes and searching directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where mail gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 2% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 3% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 95% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 64 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Recording address changes 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 address changes, 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 containers of post 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 maintaining accurate records of deliveries. 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 postal workers, mail sorters and messengers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was bank and post office clerks: only about 15% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 8/100 here, with only 2% of the task list in the top band, and “bundle mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes” 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.

Bank and post office clerks
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “sort incoming or outgoing letters or parcels into sacks or bins based on destination or type”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 15% 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 15% 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 →
Personal assistants and other secretaries
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “sort and distribute incoming post within the office”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 7% 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 7% 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: 76% of its own task list already scores in the top exposure band (65/100 in this release), so the same software is eating it.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Stock control clerks and assistants
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “affix postage to materials prepared for shipping using a postage meter”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 6% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
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: 2% of its task weight, across 64 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 bundling mail in preparation for delivery or transportation to relay boxes 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 Baggage Porters and Bellhops 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 Baggage Porters and Bellhops, Couriers and Messengers, Postal Service Clerks, Postal Service Mail Carriers, Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators, Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service and Motor Vehicle Operators, 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.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

Why there is no community here

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

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

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for postal workers / mail sorters / messengers 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 postal workers / mail sorters / messengers 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 postal workers / mail sorters / messengers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for postal workers / mail sorters / messengers 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 Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 64 official task statements scored for Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers (United Kingdom, SOC 9211), 2% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 8 out of 100 (range 6–13, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Record address changes” (93/100, very high); “Search directories to find correct addresses for redirected mail” (69/100, high); “Maintain accurate records of deliveries” (41/100, partial). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” stay human?: About 95% 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: “Tie products in bundles for further processing or shipment, following prescribed procedures” (0/100, minimal); “Rewrap soiled or broken parcels” (0/100, minimal); “Load and unload goods from lorries for delivery and transport operations” (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 “Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 2% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 95% 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 Postal workers, mail sorters and messengers 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 64 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.
One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
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 job Download this release Look 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 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.