Will AI replace Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 115 official task statements scored for Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale (United Kingdom, SOC 7131), 42% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 48 out of 100 (range 43–54, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Monitor competitors' products and prices for market analysis” (93/100, very high); “Re-order stock items when inventory levels are low” (93/100, very high); “Estimate prices for products or services” (93/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” stay human?

About 41% 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: “Display stock” (0/100, minimal); “Assemble displays, furniture, or products in store space” (0/100, minimal); “Serve customers in a retail environment” (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 “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 42% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 41% 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 Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale 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 115 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

Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale

purchasing items from salesrooms, auctions, markets and private sellers, making arrangements or issuing instructions for shipping and delivery of materials with carrier representatives and preparing estimates to meet specific customer needs. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: monitoring competitors' products and prices for market analysis is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 42%
changing shape: 17%
staying human: 41%

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

Whole-job exposure score 48 out of 100 (43–54 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 115 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 shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale 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.

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. The ledger below shows which rows you can move toward.

Your week, as this page understands it

Shopkeepers and proprietors in this unit group co-ordinate, direct and undertake the activities in the running of small, independent retail and wholesale establishments. The job title says “shopkeepers”, “owners - retail” or “wholesale”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications. 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 shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale is not one task. It is 115 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 42%
changing shape: 17%
staying human: 41%

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.

53 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

51 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.

Monitoring competitors' products and prices for market analysis
This is reading one thing and writing another: competitors' products in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/01, 7131/03, 7131/06, 7131/07
Source: “Monitor competitors' products and prices for market analysis.” (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: Competitor products and prices are largely published online, and software is good at gathering and comparing them.
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.
Making arrangements or issuing instructions for shipping and delivery of materials with carrier representatives
This is reading one thing and writing another: arrangements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Make arrangements or issue instructions for shipping and delivery of materials with carrier representatives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Booking shipments and issuing delivery instructions is routine admin that logistics systems already automate.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining and recommending specific mark-up and mark-down rates to optimise merchandise selling prices
This is reading one thing and writing another: specific mark-up in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Determine and recommend specific mark-up and mark-down rates to optimise merchandise selling prices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 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: Working out mark-ups and mark-downs from sales data is a pricing calculation software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Informing shop assistants about pricing details for price tag printing
This is reading one thing and writing another: shop assistants in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Inform shop assistants about pricing details for price tag printing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (62–76 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Passing on prices for tag printing is simple information already held in the till system.
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

16 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.

Buying merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers
The software now makes the first pass at merchandise, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/03, 7131/06, 7131/07
Source: “Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.” (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: Choosing what to buy for resale is analysis of sales data, though suppliers are often met in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Authorising payments and merchandise returns
The software now makes the first pass at payments, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/04, 7131/05, 7131/06
Source: “Authorise payments and merchandise returns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Most approvals follow set rules a system can apply, but the owner signs off and handles goods brought back.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining customer needs by communicating with customers
The software now makes the first pass at customer needs, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Determine customer needs by communicating with customers, sales staff, and marketing staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Customer needs are written up easily, but they emerge through conversation with several groups.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

48 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.

Inspecting merchandise or products to determine quality
This work happens in the physical world: merchandise, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.” (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 quality or value by inspecting goods means handling and looking at the actual items.
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.
Inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Inspect products to ensure they meet specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking that delivered products match the specification means physically examining them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Collaborating with supply chain partners to produce products meeting specific business and consumer requirements
The value here is that a specific person handles supply chain partners and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Collaborate with supply chain partners to produce products meeting specific business and consumer requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Getting a supplier to make what you want is worked out together over time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Show the other 105 tasks

Reordering stock items when inventory levels are low
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock items in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Re-order stock items when inventory levels are low.” (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: Reordering when stock runs low is a simple rule that till and stock systems already apply automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Estimating prices for products or services
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: prices in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Estimate prices for products or services.” (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: Pricing a job from quantities and rates is calculation software already does.
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.
Transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors to fulfil customer orders
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Transfer orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors to fulfil customer orders.” (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: Passing orders to suppliers or distributors is data transfer that ordering systems already automate.
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.
Generating inventory reports to manage stock levels
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: inventory reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Generate inventory reports to manage stock levels.” (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: Pulling stock figures into a report is exactly what till and stock systems already do automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reordering stock when stock levels drop to a specified level
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Reorder stock when stock levels drop to a specified level.” (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: Reordering when stock hits a set level is a simple rule that systems already run on their own.
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.
Recording customer orders in the sales database
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: customer orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Record customer orders in the sales database.” (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 orders into the sales system is routine keying that software already does straight from emails or order forms.
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.
Maintaining records of requisitions to track supply requests and fulfilment
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of requisitions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Maintain records of requisitions to track supply requests and fulfilment.” (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: Tracking requisitions is record-keeping that purchasing systems already do.
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.
Recording details of purchases made by the company in the financial system
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: details of purchases made in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Record details of purchases made by the company in the financial system.” (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: Entering purchases into the finance system is routine data work software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Forecasting levels of demand for services and products
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: levels of demand in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Forecast levels of demand for services and products.” (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: Forecasting demand from past sales is a task computers already do better than most people.
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.
Reviewing sales records to prepare reports for finance departments
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sales records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Review sales records to prepare reports for finance departments.” (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: Turning sales records into a finance report is straightforward work software already automates.
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 sales using financial accounting or spreadsheet software
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sales in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/07
Source: “Calculate sales using financial accounting or spreadsheet software.” (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: Calculating sales in a spreadsheet or accounting package is already automated work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing online shopfront marketing material
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: online shopfront marketing material in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/07
Source: “Prepare online shopfront marketing material, including product descriptions.” (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: Product descriptions and shopfront copy are among the things AI writing tools produce best.
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.
Monitoring and analysing sales records
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sales records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Monitor and analyse sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 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: Spotting sales trends and forecasting demand from records is standard analysis that software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Monitoring market conditions and product innovations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: market conditions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Monitor market conditions and product innovations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (76–90 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Watching market trends and new products is reading and comparison work AI does quickly across many sources.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Comparing transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: transportation options in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/06
Source: “Compare transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (76–90 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Comparing transport options on cost and emissions is a documented calculation with public data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining accurate customer and product records for business analysis
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate customer in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Maintain accurate customer and product records for business analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Customer and product records are routine data work that shop systems already keep automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing sales and inventory reports for management and budget departments
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sales in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Prepare sales and inventory reports for management and budget departments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Sales and stock reports are built straight from till data, which reporting software already produces.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Filing expense account reports for financial accountability
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: expense account reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “File expense account reports for financial accountability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Pulling receipts into an expense report is routine bookkeeping software work, with the owner confirming the totals.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating a database of customer accounts for wine sales
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: a database of customer accounts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/07
Source: “Create a database of customer accounts for wine sales.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a customer account database is routine data work already handled by shop systems.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ordering merchandise from suppliers based on available space
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: merchandise in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/07
Source: “Order merchandise from suppliers based on available space, merchandise on hand, customer demand, or advertised specials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Ordering against space, stock and demand is a calculation ordering systems already run automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating orders or invoices using order management software
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/07
Source: “Create orders or invoices using order management software.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Raising orders and invoices in order software is routine data entry already largely automated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining financial records and accounts to oversee wine sales
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: financial records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 7131/07
Source: “Maintain financial records and accounts to oversee wine sales.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Keeping sales records and accounts is bookkeeping work software already does 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 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Obtaining credit information from banks and other credit services
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: credit information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/07
Source: “Obtain credit information from banks and other credit services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 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: Requesting and pulling together credit references is a data-gathering job software handles quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Informing customers about prices and availability
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: customers in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Inform customers about prices and availability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (75–83 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: Price and stock questions are answered instantly from systems already holding the data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Informing customers of estimated delivery schedules for purchased products
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: customers of estimated delivery schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Inform customers of estimated delivery schedules for purchased products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (75–83 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: Delivery dates sit in the ordering system, so telling customers about them is a message software can send automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Giving price quotes for wine selections
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: price quotes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/07
Source: “Give price quotes for wine selections.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (72–86 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Quoting a wine price is a lookup against the list, which systems already do instantly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying opportunities to purchase and resell carbon-neutral products to consumers
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: opportunities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/01, 7131/02
Source: “Identify opportunities to purchase and resell carbon-neutral products to consumers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Finding carbon-neutral products worth stocking is market research AI can do thoroughly and quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Deciding when the adverts should be run
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: when the adverts should be run in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/01, 7131/02
Source: “Decide when the adverts should be run.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing when to run adverts is scheduling against audience and sales data, which tools already optimise.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining the advertising medium
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the advertising medium in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Determine the advertising medium to be used.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Picking the right advertising channel is a documented comparison AI can make from cost and reach data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining which products should be featured in advertising
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: products in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/01, 7131/02, 7131/06
Source: “Determine which products should be featured in advertising.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Deciding which products to feature is analysis of margins and sales patterns software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Formulating pricing policies for merchandise based on profitability requirements
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: policies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Formulate pricing policies for merchandise based on profitability requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Setting prices from cost and margin figures is calculation and analysis software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing work schedules to optimise team productivity
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: work schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Prepare work schedules to optimise team productivity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a rota is a scheduling problem software solves, given the team's constraints.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing budgets for financial planning
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: budgets in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 7131/04
Source: “Prepare budgets for financial planning.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 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: Budget preparation from known figures is routine numerical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring consumer preferences to determine the best way to introduce new eco-friendly products
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: consumer preferences in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/06
Source: “Monitor consumer preferences to determine the best way to introduce new eco-friendly products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading consumer trends to plan a product launch is research and analysis AI does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ordering stock according to specific business requirements
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/07
Source: “Order stock according to specific business requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out what stock to order from usage figures is a job software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Select new products to sell
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: new products in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/07
Source: “Select new products to sell.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing new lines to stock is analysis of sales and trend data that software supports well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying potential new customers in the hospitality sector
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: potential new customers in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Identify potential new customers in the hospitality sector.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a list of likely hospitality customers is research across public listings that AI does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating offline promotional material, such as brochures and business cards
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: offline promotional material in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 7131/07
Source: “Create offline promotional material, such as brochures and business cards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Brochure and card copy drafts well, though print-ready design still needs a designer’s eye.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Uploading photos to online shopping platforms
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: photos in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 7131/07
Source: “Upload photos to online shopping platforms.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (62–76 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Uploading and tagging product photos is routine listing work that platform tools already automate.
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.
Creating guidelines for cash and crediting management
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: guidelines in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/04
Source: “Create guidelines for cash and credit management.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Sound cash and credit rules are well documented, so a solid draft is easy; the owner tailors it to the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting credit limits
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: credit limits in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 7131/04
Source: “Set credit limits.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Trade credit limits follow scoring rules software applies well, with the owner confirming the final figure.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Approving invoices for procurement and purchasing activities
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: invoices in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 7131/06
Source: “Approve invoices for procurement and purchasing activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Matching invoices to orders is automated; the owner still approves the payment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Answering customers' queries about services
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: customers' queries in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Answer customers' queries about services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 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: Most service questions have documented answers that can be given automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing estimates to meet specific customer needs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: estimates in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Prepare estimates to meet specific customer needs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a quote from prices and requirements is calculation work that quoting software already does.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Arranging meetings for sales representatives with potential customers
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: meetings in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/06
Source: “Arrange meetings for sales representatives with potential customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 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: Booking and confirming customer meetings is routine scheduling and outreach.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating staff schedules and rotas to ensure adequate coverage
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: staff schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Coordinate staff schedules and rotas to ensure adequate coverage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Rota building is a scheduling problem software solves well, with a person handling awkward requests.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Setting sales targets
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sales targets in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Set sales targets.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Setting targets is analysis of past sales figures, which software can model and propose sensibly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Selecting and ordering merchandise considering factors like environmental soundness
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at merchandise considering factors like environmental soundness, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 7131/01, 7131/02
Source: “Select and order merchandise considering factors like environmental soundness.” (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: Choosing stock, including on environmental grounds, is comparison work AI does well from supplier information.
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.
Checking that advertisements and labels accurately describe the properties of the products
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at advertisements, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Check that advertisements and labels accurately describe the properties of the products.” (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: Comparing wording against product facts is a checking job software does well, though labels sometimes have to be seen in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing merchandise displays and advertising copy to highlight jewellery collections
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at merchandise displays, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 7131/05
Source: “Design merchandise displays and advertising copy to highlight jewellery collections.” (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: Display concepts and advert copy draft well, though the case still has to be dressed by hand.
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.
Purchasing merchandise that meets market demand
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at merchandise, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 7131/06
Source: “Purchase merchandise that meets market demand.” (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: Judging demand from sales data is analysis software already does, though buying trips still happen.
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.
Allocating work to staff to maximise productivity and resource
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at work, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 7131/05
Source: “Allocate work to staff to maximise productivity and resource use.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 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; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Allocating work against skills and capacity is scheduling that software handles well, though people need to accept it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Consulting with shop managers about budgets to ensure effective financial management
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at shop managers, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 7131/06
Source: “Consult with shop managers about budgets to ensure effective financial management.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 53 out of 100 (46–60 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; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Budget figures prepare themselves, but agreeing them with managers happens in conversation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning and coordinating advertising campaigns and sales promotions
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at campaigns, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Plan and coordinate advertising campaigns and sales promotions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Plans draft easily, but coordinating a live campaign means working with several teams.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Buying and selling items online
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at items online, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 7131/01
Source: “Buy and sell items online.” (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: Online buying and selling is screen work, listings and pricing that software already helps run.
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.
Identifying prospective customers using business directories
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at prospective customers, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Identify prospective customers using business directories, leads from existing clients, participation in organisations, or trade show or conference attendance.” (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: Directory and referral research is quick desk work, though trade shows mean attending.
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.
Providing credit terms, contract terms or fulfilment dates for services
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at credit terms, contract terms or fulfilment dates, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Provide credit terms, contract terms, or fulfilment dates for services.” (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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Standard terms draft easily, but offering credit in Britain is a regulated promise a person must stand behind.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Engaging in online forums and conferences to update knowledge on online retailing trends and security measures
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at online forums, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 7131/07
Source: “Engage in online forums and conferences to update knowledge on online retailing trends and security measures.” (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: Keeping up with online retail trends is reading and summarising that AI does quickly.
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.
Negotiating payment terms and conditions within contracts
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at payment terms, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Negotiate payment terms and conditions within contracts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 46 out of 100 (39–53 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; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Drafting and comparing terms is well within software, though agreeing them with a supplier is still a live negotiation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Generating leads and cold call prospective customers
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at leads, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 7131/07
Source: “Generate leads and cold call prospective customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Lists are easy to build, but cold calling is a live conversation that has to win interest.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Resolving customer complaints about jewellery purchases
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles customer complaints and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 7131/05
Source: “Resolve customer complaints about jewellery purchases.” (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: Complaint replies draft easily, but an unhappy customer over an expensive purchase wants a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Implementing departmental policies and procedures
staying human
The ratings behind this row put departmental policies well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 65 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Implement departmental policies and procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can write the procedure, but getting a team to actually follow it takes a manager.
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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recommending personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers and dismissals
staying human
The ratings behind this row put personnel actions well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 65 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Recommend personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, and dismissals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: A draft recommendation is easy; the judgement depends on knowing the person, which is not recorded anywhere.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Contacting new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles new or existing customers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: This is a consultative conversation that depends on the person having it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Implementing departmental goals and objectives with organisation officials
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles departmental goals and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Implement departmental goals and objectives with organisation officials.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Goals can be drafted automatically, but agreeing them with senior colleagues is a discussion between people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing strategies to promote business with company officials
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles strategies and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Develop strategies to promote business with company officials.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Winning support from company officials depends on relationships.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Recommending products based on customer needs and desires
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/07
Source: “Recommend products based on customer needs and desires.” (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: Recommending products from stated preferences is exactly what online recommendation tools already do well.
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.
Explaining credit terms to customers
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles credit terms and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Explain credit terms to customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 34 out of 100 (27–41 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: Shop credit terms are standard wording, though trade customers expect the owner to talk them through it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Collecting payments from customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: payments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 7131/07
Source: “Collect payments from customers.” (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: Card and online payments run themselves, but a shopkeeper still takes cash over the counter.
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.
Supervising staff in their daily tasks to ensure efficiency and compliance
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05, 7131/06
Source: “Supervise staff in their daily tasks to ensure efficiency and compliance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Task lists and checks can be automated, but day-to-day supervision means being with the team.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Negotiating contracts with customers and suppliers to maximise profit margins
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles contracts and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 7131/06
Source: “Negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers to maximise profit margins.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 28 out of 100 (21–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Terms can be modelled, but margin comes from a negotiation between two people who deal regularly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing training and induction to new clerical staff
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: induction, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 7131/06
Source: “Provide training and induction to new clerical staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training material writes easily, but new staff learn the shop by being shown around it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring the quality of the service to customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the quality of the service, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Monitor the quality of the service to customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Some service quality shows up in data, but much of it is seen by walking the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising stock management and cash receipt reconciliation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock management, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Supervise stock management and cash receipt reconciliation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 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: Reconciling takings is routine software work, but a shopkeeper also has to be on the floor watching stock move.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring and enforcing compliance with safety rules and regulations in a workplace
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: compliance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Monitor and enforce compliance with safety rules and regulations in a workplace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 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: Checklists and records can be produced automatically, but spotting and stopping unsafe practice needs someone on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Organising promotional marketing events
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: promotional marketing events, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 7131/07
Source: “Organise promotional marketing events.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 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: Promotional events can be planned on screen, but running them means being at the venue.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recruiting new employees to enhance wine sales and service
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles new employees and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Recruit new employees to enhance wine sales and service.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Adverts and shortlists prepare easily, but hiring someone rests on meeting them.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Negotiating with retail merchants to improve product exposure and advertising
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles retail merchants and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure and advertising.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Better shelf space is won through a relationship with the buyer, not a better document.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training personnel in sales or marketing establishments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: personnel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Train personnel in sales or marketing establishments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training shop staff is mostly done alongside them, though written and online material covers the basics.
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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Replenishing packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink or labels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 7131/07
Source: “Replenish packaging supplies, such as wrapping paper, plastic sheet, boxes, cartons, glue, ink, or labels.” (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: Reordering packaging is simple, but restocking the wrapping bench means carrying it there.
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.
Negotiating contracts with customers and suppliers for art and antique sales
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles contracts and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 7131/01, 7131/02
Source: “Negotiate contracts with customers and suppliers for art and antique sales.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Contract wording drafts well, but art and antique deals are agreed between people who know each other.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Directing employees in sales and specific service tasks
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles employees and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Direct employees in sales and specific service tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Directing staff day to day depends on the manager's standing with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Following and enforcing the legal requirements for the sale of alcohol
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the legal requirements, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/07
Source: “Follow and enforce the legal requirements for the sale of alcohol.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 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; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Alcohol sales must be authorised by a personal licence holder, and age checks happen face to face at the counter.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking stock levels during audits
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock levels during audits, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Check stock levels during audits.” (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: Stock audits need the shelves counted, even though the figures go straight into the system.
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.
Examining merchandise to identify items
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: merchandise, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Examine merchandise to identify items to be reordered or replenished.” (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: Reorder levels can be calculated, but looking over the merchandise means being 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 3/4.
Providing customers with product samples and catalogues
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Provide customers with product samples and catalogues.” (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: Catalogues can be produced automatically, but getting samples into a customer’s hands is physical.
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.
Advising customers on merchandise selection
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Advise customers on merchandise selection.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Product knowledge is easy to look up, but the advice is given in person as the customer browses.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Building and maintaining valuable relationships with clients to enhance business partnerships
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles valuable relationships and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Build and maintain valuable relationships with clients to enhance business partnerships.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The client relationship is the work, and customers deal with a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 4/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Offering advice on menu and wine choices to customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: advice, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 7131/07
Source: “Offer advice on menu and wine choices to customers.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Recommending a dish or wine happens at the table with the guest 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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Training staff in specific job roles to enhance performance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 7131/07
Source: “Train staff in specific job roles to enhance performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training someone in a job role means showing them at the machine and watching them try.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Negotiating purchases and sales of antiques
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: purchases, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 7131/01
Source: “Negotiate purchases and sales of antiques.” (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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Antique deals turn on judging the piece in front of you and the person selling it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Selling various merchandise items to retail customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: various merchandise items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Sell various merchandise items to retail customers.” (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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Serving customers on the shop floor means being there with 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 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Purchasing items from salesrooms, auctions, markets and private sellers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 7131/01, 7131/07
Source: “Purchase items from salesrooms, auctions, markets and private sellers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 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: Buying at auctions and markets means being there to see the goods and bid.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Studying, examining and testing acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history and to assess their current value
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: acquisitions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/01
Source: “Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Authenticating a piece depends on handling it and spotting things only experience notices.
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 1/4.
Greeting customers and promoting products in a retail setting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Greet customers and promote products in a retail setting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Greeting shoppers and talking up products happens face to face in the shop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Participating in organisations and clubs to identify prospective customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: organisations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Participate in organisations and clubs to identify prospective customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–10 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: Meeting prospects at clubs and trade groups is about turning up and being known.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Selling antiques to the public from stalls in antique centres
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: antiques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 7131/01
Source: “Sell antiques to the public from stalls in antique centres.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Selling from a stall means standing at it and talking to people who stop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Restoring antiques to their original condition
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: antiques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 7131/01
Source: “Restore antiques to their original condition.” (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: Restoring an antique is skilled hands-on work with the object.
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.
Attending trade shows to promote products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: trade shows, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 7131/03, 7131/07
Source: “Attend trade shows to promote 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 value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Standing on a stand at a trade show and meeting people in person is something only a person can do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting stocktakes to verify supply levels in retail and service environments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stocktakes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Conduct stocktakes to verify supply levels in retail and service environments.” (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: Counting stock on shelves is done by walking the shop with a scanner.
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.
Cleaning and organising shelves and displays
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: shelves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 7131/04, 7131/05
Source: “Clean and organise shelves and displays.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning and tidying shelves 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.
Trying new wines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: new wines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 7131/07
Source: “Try new wines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tasting wine is something only a person with a glass in hand can do.
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.
Serving customers in a retail environment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 7131/07
Source: “Serve customers in a retail environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Serving in a shop means being on the floor with customers.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assembling displays, furniture or products in store space
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: displays, furniture or products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Assemble displays, furniture, or products in store space.” (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: Assembling displays and furniture in the shop 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.
Displaying stock
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 7131/07
Source: “Display stock.” (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 stock out on the shelves is hands-on work in the shop.
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: £36,300a 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: 76,800in 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: competitors' products in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: monitoring competitors' products and prices for market analysis and making arrangements or issuing instructions for shipping and delivery of materials with carrier representatives. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where products get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

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

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Monitoring competitors' products and prices for market analysis is going; inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications is not.

So, given all that: 42% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 17% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 41% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 115 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

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

This week: one thing

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

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

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

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was sales accounts and business development managers: only about 5% of its durable work is work you already do. Your own job splits about 42/58: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “purchase items from salesrooms, auctions, markets and private sellers”, and let the exposed end go.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Sales accounts and business development managers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 5% 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 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Buyers and procurement officers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Sales and retail 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: “serve customers in a retail environment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 4% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £25,056 against your £36,304, 31.0% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
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: 42% of its task weight, across 115 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which General and Operations Managers 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

In US official statistics this job is counted as General and Operations Managers. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

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

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

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 42% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale 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 shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale 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 shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale 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 shopkeepers / owners - retail / wholesale 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 Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 115 official task statements scored for Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale (United Kingdom, SOC 7131), 42% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 48 out of 100 (range 43–54, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Monitor competitors' products and prices for market analysis” (93/100, very high); “Re-order stock items when inventory levels are low” (93/100, very high); “Estimate prices for products or services” (93/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” stay human?: About 41% 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: “Display stock” (0/100, minimal); “Assemble displays, furniture, or products in store space” (0/100, minimal); “Serve customers in a retail environment” (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 “Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 42% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 41% 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 Shopkeepers and owners - retail and wholesale 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 115 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.
53 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.