Will AI replace Roofers, roof tilers and slaters?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 55 official task statements scored for Roofers, roof tilers and slaters (United Kingdom, SOC 5314), 3% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 7 out of 100 (range 6–12, 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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Requisition necessary materials and resources for roofing projects” (93/100, very high); “Calculate the required amounts of tiles, materials, and resources, taking into account any necessary wastage” (93/100, very high); “Estimate the quantity and type of materials needed” (56/100, 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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” stay human?

About 93% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Install tanking systems, decoupling membranes, and electric under-tile heating as required” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare wall and floor backgrounds using appropriate primers, renders, levelling compounds, and screeds” (0/100, minimal); “Grout and finish tiles to achieve a professional aesthetic on both wall and floor areas” (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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 3% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 93% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Roofers, roof tilers and slaters 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 55 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

Roofers, roof tilers and slaters

fixing appropriate thatching materials to basic roof structure with correct depth over fixings and adequate tension, applying fibreglass or felt over sloped roofs before tiles and attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials 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: 3%
changing shape: 4%
staying human: 93%

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

Whole-job exposure score 7 out of 100 (6–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 55 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 roofers, roof tilers and slaters 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 requisitioning necessary materials and resources for roofing projects. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.

Your week, as this page understands it

Roofers, roof tilers and slaters cover roofs and exterior walls with felting, sheeting, slates, tiles and thatch to provide a waterproof surface. The job title says “roofers”, “roof tilers” or “slaters”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials. 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 roofers, roof tilers and slaters is not one task. It is 55 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

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

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

How we know this

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

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

Your job, task by task

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

32 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.

Requisitioning necessary materials and resources for roofing projects
This is reading one thing and writing another: necessary materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Requisition necessary materials and resources for roofing projects.” (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: Working out what materials are needed and raising the order is paperwork software handles quickly and 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.
Calculating the required amounts of tiles
This is reading one thing and writing another: the required amounts of tiles in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 90 · 5314/04
Source: “Calculate the required amounts of tiles, materials, and resources, taking into account any necessary wastage.” (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: Working out how many tiles and how much adhesive a room needs, plus wastage, is arithmetic software does reliably.
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.

Changing shape

3 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.

Estimating the quantity and type of materials
The software now makes the first pass at the quantity, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Estimate the quantity and type of materials needed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out tile and batten quantities from measurements is arithmetic against published coverage figures, which software does quickly and accurately.
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.
Arranging for necessary repairs to be carried out
The software now makes the first pass at necessary repairs, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5314/04
Source: “Arrange for necessary repairs to be carried out.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging faults and calling out repairers is scheduling work software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing daily and weekly tasks and organising own work with emphasis on efficiency and safety
The software now makes the first pass at and weekly tasks, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5314/03
Source: “Establish daily and weekly tasks and organise own work with emphasis on efficiency and safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Planning a week's tasks around efficiency and safety is scheduling work software drafts well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

50 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.

Attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials
This work happens in the physical world: felt, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Attach roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.” (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: Fixing overlapping roofing felt is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Erecting scaffolding for elevated work areas
This work happens in the physical world: elevated work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/03, 5314/04
Source: “Erect scaffolding for elevated work areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting up scaffolding is entirely hands-on work at the site, however well the plan for it is written beforehand.
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.
Covering roofs and walls with materials like slate or asphalt
This work happens in the physical world: roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Cover roofs and walls with materials like slate or asphalt using tools such as brushes and hammers.” (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: Covering roofs and walls with slate or asphalt is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Sweeping and cleaning roofs to prepare them for the application of new roofing materials
This work happens in the physical world: roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Sweep and clean roofs to prepare them for the application of new roofing materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sweeping a roof clean before recovering it is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Applying fibreglass or felt over sloped roofs before tiles
This work happens in the physical world: fibreglass, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Apply fibreglass or felt over sloped roofs before tiles.” (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: Laying fibreglass or felt over a sloped roof is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Show the other 45 tasks

Explaining work to customers, update them on progress and providing estimates
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles work and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 5314/04
Source: “Explain work to customers, update them on progress, and provide estimates.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: 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: Progress updates and estimates are easy to write, but customers want them from the person doing the work.
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.
Calculating the amount of materials and time required to complete a thatching job efficiently and safely
staying human
The ratings behind this row put the amount of materials well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 50 · 5314/01, 5314/03
Source: “Calculate the amount of materials and time required to complete a thatching job efficiently and safely.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Quantities can be estimated from measurements, but thatching amounts rest on craft judgement about the specific roof and materials.
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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Interpreting design sketches, specifications or drawings to install roofing systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: design sketches, specifications or drawings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01
Source: “Interpret design sketches, specifications, or drawings to install roofing systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Drawings can be read and turned into a method, but matching them to the actual roof happens with the installer on 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 3/4.
Interpreting design sketches, specifications or drawings to lay tiles and slates
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: design sketches, specifications or drawings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5314/04
Source: “Interpret design sketches, specifications, or drawings to lay tiles and slates.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Drawings can be interpreted into a tiling plan, but setting out against the real roof happens with the tiler present.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: problem roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Photos and drone images help, but judging how to repair a problem roof usually means getting up there.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assessing the condition of roofs for thatching as per agreed works
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the condition of roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5314/03
Source: “Assess the condition of roofs for thatching as per agreed works.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Judging whether a thatched roof needs work means getting up to it and reading materials by eye and touch.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assessing the work area to ensure the suitability of PPE
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/03
Source: “Assess the work area to ensure the suitability of PPE, scaffolding, and ladders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Safety rules are documented, but checking that this scaffold, ladder and kit are right means looking at them in place.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking resources to ensure they are fit for purpose
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: resources, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/03
Source: “Check resources to ensure they are fit for purpose.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking materials and kit are fit for use means handling and inspecting them on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collaborating effectively with other workers on the job site
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Collaborate effectively with other workers on the job site.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Working alongside other trades on a site depends on being there, reading the day and getting on with people.
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 1/4.
Applying alternate layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing felt to roofs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: alternate layers of hot asphalt, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Apply alternate layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing felt to roofs.” (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: Laying hot asphalt and felt in layers is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Mopping hot asphalt onto roof bases
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hot asphalt, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Mop hot asphalt onto roof bases.” (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: Mopping hot asphalt onto a roof base is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Working safely at height and using access equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: height, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Work safely at height and use access equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working safely on a roof means being up there with the access equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying waterproof coatings and finishes to surfaces to conceal imperfections and protecting against water damage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: waterproof coatings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Apply waterproof coatings and finishes to surfaces to conceal imperfections and protect against water damage.” (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: Applying coatings to surfaces is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Covering exposed nailheads with roofing cement or mastic to prevent water leakage or rust
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: exposed nailheads, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or mastic to prevent water leakage or rust.” (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: Covering nailheads with cement or mastic is done 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 2/4.
Installing, repairing or replacing single-ply roofing systems using waterproof materials, modified plastics and elastomeric
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: single-ply roofing systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems using waterproof materials such as modified plastics and elastomeric.” (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: Installing or repairing single-ply roofing is physical work on the roof.
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.
Smoothing rough spots to prepare surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rough spots, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Smooth rough spots to prepare surfaces for waterproofing, using hammers, chisels, or rubbing bricks.” (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: Smoothing rough spots with hammers, chisels and rubbing bricks is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Applying reflective coatings to roofs to reduce solar heat absorption
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: reflective coatings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Apply reflective coatings to roofs to reduce solar heat absorption.” (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: Applying reflective coating to a roof is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Attaching waterproofing membranes to surfaces to damp-proof walls
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: membranes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Attach waterproofing membranes to surfaces to damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, or basements.” (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: Fixing waterproof membranes to a surface is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Embeding gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: gravel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02
Source: “Embed gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces.” (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: Bedding gravel into hot bitumen is physical work done on the roof.
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.
Glazing top layers to create a smooth finish
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: top layers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Glaze top layers to create a smooth finish.” (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: Glazing a top layer to a smooth finish is done by hand on the surface.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces using chalk lines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces using chalk lines, gauges on roofing hammers, or lines on shingles.” (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: Laying overlapping roofing layers to a line is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Spraying roofs to bind, seal, insulate or soundproof sections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Spray roofs to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections.” (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: Spraying a roof to seal or insulate it is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Covering roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Cover roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding.” (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: Laying slates, tiles or cladding onto a roof is hands-on work at height.
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 and repairing hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hand tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5314/01, 5314/04
Source: “Maintain and repair hand tools, power tools and associated 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: Maintaining and repairing tools is physical work on the tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying modular soil- and plant-containing grids over existing roof membranes to create green roofs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: modular soil-, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5314/01
Source: “Apply modular soil- and plant-containing grids over existing roof membranes to create green roofs.” (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: Laying planted grids over a roof membrane is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting or breaking flashing from materials or products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Cut or break flashing from materials or products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting flashing to size is done by hand with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Punching holes in slate, tile, terra cotta or wooden shingles using punches and hammers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: holes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5314/01, 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles using punches and hammers.” (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: Punching holes in slate or tile with hand tools is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting solar panels to existing roofs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: solar panels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5314/01
Source: “Fit solar panels to existing roofs, according to specifications and without damaging roofing materials or the structural integrity of buildings.” (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: Fitting panels onto an existing roof is hands-on work at height.
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.
Spraying claddings or walls using spray guns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: claddings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Spray claddings or walls using spray guns, air compressors, or heaters for protection and insulation.” (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: Spraying coatings with a gun and compressor is physical work on the building.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing solar collector mounting devices on tile
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: solar collector mounting devices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5314/02, 5314/04
Source: “Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing mountings to a roof is physical work at height.
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.
Fixing appropriate thatching materials to basic roof structure with correct depth over fixings and adequate tension
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate thatching materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5314/03
Source: “Fix appropriate thatching materials to basic roof structure with correct depth over fixings and adequate tension.” (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: Fixing thatch to a roof with the right depth and tension is skilled hand work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing thatching materials, tools, equipment and vehicles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, tools, equipment and vehicles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5314/03
Source: “Prepare thatching materials, tools, equipment, and vehicles for use.” (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 materials, tools and vehicles ready is physical preparation on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Stripping off old roofs
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: old roofs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5314/03
Source: “Strip off old roofs.” (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: Stripping an old roof is heavy 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.
Inspecting roof timbers for damage or rot
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: roof timbers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/03
Source: “Inspect roof timbers for damage or rot.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking roof timbers for rot means getting up there and probing them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing timbers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: timbers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/03
Source: “Repair timbers.” (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: Repairing roof timbers is carpentry done on the structure 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 2/4.
Positioning ladders to gain access to upper floors of buildings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ladders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/03
Source: “Position ladders to gain access to upper floors of buildings.” (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 up a ladder to reach an upper floor is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Storing tools and equipment correctly for future
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5314/03
Source: “Store tools and equipment correctly for future use.” (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 tools and equipment away is physical.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Clearing site and removing excess materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: site, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/03
Source: “Clear site and remove excess materials after use.” (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 site and removing leftover materials is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting tiles to size and shaping with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tiles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5314/04
Source: “Cut tiles to size and shape with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting tiles is hand work with a cutter.
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.
Laying tiles in place and applying adhesives before finishing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tiles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/04
Source: “Lay tiles in place and apply adhesives before finishing.” (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: Laying tiles into adhesive is physical work on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing and replacing individual damaged tiles without causing damage to adjacent finishes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: individual damaged tiles without causing damage, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/04
Source: “Remove and replace individual damaged tiles without causing damage to adjacent finishes.” (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 out one damaged tile without harming the rest is delicate handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Using and maintaining tools, equipment and personal protective equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, equipment and personal protective equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5314/04
Source: “Use and maintain tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in a safe and appropriate manner to prevent accidents and injuries.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Using tools and protective equipment safely is something a person does with their own hands on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Grouting and finishing tiles to achieve a professional aesthetic on both wall and floor areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tiles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/04
Source: “Grout and finish tiles to achieve a professional aesthetic on both wall and floor areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Grouting and finishing tiles is hands-on work at the wall or floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing wall and floor backgrounds using appropriate primers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: wall, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5314/04
Source: “Prepare wall and floor backgrounds using appropriate primers, renders, levelling compounds, and screeds.” (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: Priming, rendering and levelling backgrounds is hands-on preparation 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.
Installing tanking systems, decoupling membranes and electric under-tile heating
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: systems, decoupling membranes and electric under-tile, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5314/04
Source: “Install tanking systems, decoupling membranes, and electric under-tile heating as required.” (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: Laying tanking, membranes and under-tile heating is physical installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £31,900a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 26,900in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: necessary materials in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: requisitioning necessary materials and resources for roofing projects and calculating the required amounts of tiles. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where felt 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: attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 3% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 4% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 93% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 55 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. Requisitioning necessary materials and resources for roofing projects 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 necessary materials, 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 elevated work areas 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 estimating the quantity and type of materials. 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 roofers, roof tilers and slaters (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was gardeners and landscape gardeners: only about 10% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 10.6% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 7/100 here, with only 3% of the task list in the top band, and “cover roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding” 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.

Gardeners and landscape gardeners
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “attach waterproofing membranes to surfaces to damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, or basements”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 10% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £28,539 against your £31,906, 10.6% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Floorers and wall tilers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “cut tiles to size and shape with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% 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 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Painters and decorators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already assess the work area to ensure the suitability of PPE, scaffolding, and ladders, and their equivalent is to use ladders and scaffolding to complete work. Across both published task lists that is about 2% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 2% 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: 3% of its task weight, across 55 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 attaching roofing felt to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials 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 Roofers 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:

Helpers--Roofers

In US official statistics this job is counted as Roofers and Helpers--Roofers. 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 roofers / roof tilers / slaters launches. Nothing else.

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

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No Space for roofers / roof tilers / slaters 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 roofers / roof tilers / slaters existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

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Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Roofers, roof tilers and slaters?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 55 official task statements scored for Roofers, roof tilers and slaters (United Kingdom, SOC 5314), 3% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 7 out of 100 (range 6–12, 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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Requisition necessary materials and resources for roofing projects” (93/100, very high); “Calculate the required amounts of tiles, materials, and resources, taking into account any necessary wastage” (93/100, very high); “Estimate the quantity and type of materials needed” (56/100, 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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” stay human?: About 93% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Install tanking systems, decoupling membranes, and electric under-tile heating as required” (0/100, minimal); “Prepare wall and floor backgrounds using appropriate primers, renders, levelling compounds, and screeds” (0/100, minimal); “Grout and finish tiles to achieve a professional aesthetic on both wall and floor areas” (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 “Roofers, roof tilers and slaters” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 3% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 93% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Roofers, roof tilers and slaters 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 55 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
32 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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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.