Will AI replace Stock control clerks and assistants?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 39 official task statements scored for Stock control clerks and assistants (United Kingdom, SOC 4133), 48% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 49 out of 100 (range 43–55, 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 “Stock control clerks and assistants” stay human?

About 31% 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: “Move stock with a forklift truck” (0/100, minimal); “Pack materials for shipping using hand tools or power tools” (0/100, minimal); “Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using trolleys” (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 “Stock control clerks and assistants” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 48% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 31% 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 Stock control clerks and assistants calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 39 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

Stock control clerks and assistants

maintaining stock levels to ensure efficient inventory management, logging shipment data, including weight, charges and space availability and analysing inventories to increase turns. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: ordering new stock based on inventory needs is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing 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: 48%
changing shape: 21%
staying human: 31%

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

Whole-job exposure score 49 out of 100 (43–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 39 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 stock control clerks and assistants is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

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

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

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

Your week, as this page understands it

Stock control clerks and assistants receive orders from customers, prepare requisitions or despatch documents for ordered goods, maintain and update records, files and other correspondence in relation to the storage and despatch of goods. The job title says “stock control clerks” or “assistants”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing. 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 stock control clerks and assistants is not one task. It is 39 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 48%
changing shape: 21%
staying human: 31%

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.

12 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

19 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.

Ordering new stock based on inventory needs
This is reading one thing and writing another: new stock in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 4133/00
Source: “Order new stock based on inventory needs.” (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: Reordering against stock levels and lead times is a rules-based calculation 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.
Maintaining inventory levels of equipment and materials to support operational efficiency
This is reading one thing and writing another: inventory levels of equipment in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 4133/00
Source: “Maintain inventory levels of equipment and materials to support operational efficiency.” (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: Keeping stock at the right level is calculation from usage data, which inventory software already automates.
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.
Updating stock information on computer systems to ensure stock accuracy
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 4133/00
Source: “Update stock information on computer systems to ensure stock accuracy.” (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: Updating stock records is straightforward data entry, though counts often start on the shelf.
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.
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 85 · 4133/00
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.

Changing shape

9 tasks

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

Maintaining stock levels to ensure efficient inventory management
The software now makes the first pass at stock levels, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 4133/00
Source: “Maintain stock levels to ensure efficient inventory management.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 41 out of 100 (34–48 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working out what to reorder and when is well-documented number work software does 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 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Carrying out spot checks on processes and systems
The software now makes the first pass at spot checks, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 4133/00
Source: “Carry out spot checks on processes and systems.” (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: Checking processes and system records against a standard is well-suited to automation, though some checks mean walking the floor.
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.
Resolving complaints or eliminate delays by conferring with establishment personnel
The software now makes the first pass at complaints, 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 · 4133/00
Source: “Resolve complaints or eliminate delays by conferring with establishment personnel, suppliers, or customers.” (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: Chasing a delay is routine messaging, but sorting it out often depends on a relationship with the supplier.
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.

Staying human

11 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.

Accepting and logging incoming deliveries according to company protocol
This work happens in the physical world: deliveries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 4133/00
Source: “Accept and log incoming deliveries according to company protocol.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 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: Logging a delivery is quick system work, but someone has to receive the goods at the door.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Dispatching orders within the specified timeframe
This work happens in the physical world: orders within the specified timeframe, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 4133/00
Source: “Dispatch orders within the specified timeframe.” (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: Meeting a dispatch deadline depends on picking and loading the actual goods.
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.
Affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing
This work happens in the physical world: address labels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 4133/00
Source: “Affix address labels and secure containers with straps for mailing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Labelling and strapping containers is hands-on packing 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.

Show the other 29 tasks

Verifying that all paperwork is accurately
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: all paperwork in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 4133/00
Source: “Verify that all paperwork is accurately completed.” (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: Checking paperwork is complete and consistent is document checking software already does thoroughly.
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.
Logging shipment data, including weight, charges and space availability, for reporting purposes
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: shipment data, including weight, charges and space availability in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 4133/00
Source: “Log shipment data, including weight, charges, and space availability, for reporting purposes.” (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: Recording shipment weights and charges is routine data entry straight into the system.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Calculating amounts for space available
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: amounts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 4133/00
Source: “Calculate amounts for space available, shipping, storage, or demurrage charges using a computer or price list.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (74–88 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: Working out storage and shipping charges from a price list is straightforward calculation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Responding to customer enquiries
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: customer enquiries in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Respond to customer enquiries.” (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: Answering customer questions from known information is something software already does at speed and scale.
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.
Preparing bills of lading, invoices and other shipping documents
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: bills of lading, invoices and other shipping documents in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 4133/00
Source: “Prepare bills of lading, invoices, and other shipping documents.” (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: Shipping paperwork follows set formats filled from order data, though unusual consignments and customs rules still need a person to check.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing inventories to increase turns
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: inventories in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 4133/00
Source: “Analyse inventories to increase turns, reduce waste, and optimise customer service.” (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: Analysing stock turns and waste is number work on data the business already holds.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing information about supplier performance or procurement programme success
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 4133/00
Source: “Analyse information about supplier performance or procurement programme success.” (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: Supplier performance analysis is number work on purchase records the business already keeps.
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.
Procuring necessary supplies or equipment for operational staff
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: necessary supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 4133/00
Source: “Procure necessary supplies or equipment for operational staff.” (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: Sourcing and ordering supplies is largely catalogue and system work that 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 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing reverse logistics management processes for efficient product recycling
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reverse logistics management processes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Develop reverse logistics management processes for efficient product recycling.” (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: Return and recycling processes follow published waste rules, so workable procedures can be drafted quickly.
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.
Evaluating and selecting information or other technology solutions to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Evaluate and select information or other technology solutions to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution, storage, or stock.” (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: Comparing tracking and reporting systems is research and analysis that AI does thoroughly.
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.
Developing procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Develop procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance.” (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: Writing coordination procedures between departments is standard process documentation AI drafts 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing supply chain-based performance measurement systems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: chain-based performance measurement systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Establish supply chain-based performance measurement systems.” (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: Designing supply chain measures and dashboards is data and reporting work that software builds 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Forecasting demand in consultation with supply chain planners
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: demand in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Forecast demand in consultation with supply chain planners.” (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: Demand forecasting is a strong area for software, though planners still agree the assumptions together.
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.
Implementing systems for supplier selection
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Implement systems for supplier selection.” (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 up supplier selection systems is design and documentation work software supports, with buyers deciding the criteria.
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.
Supporting procurement activities by evaluating suppliers
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: procurement activities in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Support procurement activities by evaluating suppliers.” (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: Scoring suppliers against criteria is structured comparison work 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Corresponding with establishment representatives to address nonconformance to specifications
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at establishment representatives, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Correspond with establishment representatives to address nonconformance to specifications.” (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: Writing to suppliers about goods that miss specification is standard correspondence AI drafts well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording physical supply chain processes
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at physical supply chain processes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Record physical supply chain processes, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, or system flows.” (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: Writing up workflows and cycle times is documentation work, though the times come from watching the floor.
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.
Discussing performance metrics with suppliers
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at performance metrics, 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 55 · 4133/00
Source: “Discuss performance metrics with suppliers.” (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: The metrics pack prepares itself, but a supplier conversation about performance is a human negotiation.
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.
Supporting internal audits to ensure regulatory compliance
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at internal audits, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Support internal audits to ensure regulatory compliance.” (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: Pulling together audit evidence can be automated, but stock audits also mean counting things on the shelves.
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 appropriate equipment and staffing levels
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at appropriate equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials.” (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: Planning kit and staffing for a shift is scheduling maths, though it needs knowledge of the site.
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.
Designing warehousing strategies for production materials
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at strategies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 55 · 4133/00
Source: “Design warehousing strategies for production materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 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: Warehouse layout depends on the building, the racking and how the goods actually move.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting shipment contents and comparing with records to verify accuracy
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: shipment contents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 4133/00
Source: “Inspect shipment contents and compare with records to verify accuracy.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Comparing contents to paperwork is simple checking, but the boxes must be opened and looked at.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Implementing supply chains for cost reduction strategies
staying human
The ratings behind this row put chains well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 50 · 4133/00
Source: “Implement supply chains for cost reduction strategies.” (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: Redesigning a supply chain on paper is easy; making it work involves suppliers, sites and physical flows.
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.
Answering in-person enquiries and providing necessary information or assistance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: in-person enquiries, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 4133/00
Source: “Answer in-person enquiries and provide necessary information or assistance.” (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: The information is easy to look up, but the task is answering people who come to the desk.
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.
Affixing postage to materials prepared for shipping using a postage meter
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: postage, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 4133/00
Source: “Affix postage to materials prepared for shipping using a postage meter.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting postage onto items with a meter is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Storing equipment and materials to ensure efficient operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 4133/00
Source: “Store equipment and materials to ensure efficient operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting equipment and materials away is physical handling and shelving.
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.
Delivering and retrieving items to and from departments by hand or using trolleys
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 4133/00
Source: “Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using trolleys.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Carrying items between departments by hand or trolley needs a person doing the carrying.
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.
Packing materials for shipping using hand tools or power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 4133/00
Source: “Pack materials for shipping using hand tools or power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Packing materials with hand or power tools is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Moving stock with a forklift truck
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 4133/00
Source: “Move stock with a forklift truck.” (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: Driving a forklift needs an operator on the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £30,000a 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: 79,500in 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: new stock in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: ordering new stock based on inventory needs and maintaining inventory levels of equipment and materials to support operational efficiency. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where address labels 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

The exposed part of your job is the biggest part, and I am not going to dress that up: ordering new stock based on inventory needs is work today's tools do quickly and cheaply, and that is not coming back.

So, given all that: 48% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 21% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 31% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 39 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

What you have that the software does not is affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing, plus the years of knowing when something looks wrong before you can say why. That is the raw material for everything below.

This week: one thing

Sit on the machine's side of the desk. Pick one real piece of new stock you would normally do yourself, let whatever software you already have take the first pass at it, and then go through what it produced and write down every single thing it got wrong. One evening this week. Do not fix anything yet. Just catch it.

What you end up holding: a written list of the machine’s mistakes, in your handwriting
How long it takes: an evening, or an hour if you pick one job rather than one client

If you can’t run software on your employer’s or your clients’ data: Do the same hunt on paper. Take one printed piece of new stock, work through it the way you always do, and mark every point where you made a call rather than followed a rule. Same evening, same list, nothing to log into and nobody to ask permission from. That list is the same artifact: it is the judgment written down.

Over the next 90 days

Change one sentence about what you do. Not on a CV. Out loud, to whoever pays you. From “my job is ordering new stock based on inventory needs” to “I check what the software does and tell you what it means.” Your error list from this week is what makes that sentence true instead of a claim, so use it: show it once, to one person, inside the next ninety days. Same skills, priced as judgment rather than as typing.

Over the next 12 months

Walk toward the end of this job that answers for things, and get it recognised. Pick the one part of affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing you are already best at, and spend the year making it formal: a qualification, a named responsibility, a specialism people ask for by name. Price it honestly: that is evenings, it is months rather than weeks, and the seats are competitive because everyone in your position is looking at the same door. 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 stock control clerks and assistants (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was directors in logistics, warehousing and transport: only about 26% of its durable work is work you already do and the 2.8× pay gap is the market pricing a barrier. Your own job splits about 48/52: 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 “accept and log incoming deliveries according to company protocol”, 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.

Directors in logistics, warehousing and transport
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “implement supply chains for cost reduction strategies”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 26% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: It is closer than most, and still not close enough: about 26% of that job's durable work is already yours, against the 35% I want to see before I will call something a route. The pay gap is the market pricing a barrier: £83,447 against your £29,991 is 2.78× (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)), and you would be crossing it holding about 26% of their durable work. A gap that size with an overlap that small is a wish, not a route.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Sales administrators
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “answer in-person enquiries and provide necessary information or assistance”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Managers in logistics
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already procure necessary supplies or equipment for operational staff, and their equivalent is to manage and motivate a team of procurement staff. Across both published task lists that is about 7% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 7% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
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: 48% of its task weight, across 39 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
“It’s too late for me to become something else”
You are not starting from zero, and the page shows why: affixing address labels and securing containers with straps for mailing is work the software cannot do and you already do it. The move above is a repricing of what you know, not a new career. Nobody who has just left college has that.
“I should learn to code”
Almost certainly not. The value in your job is moving toward checking, deciding and answering for the output, not toward writing the software. A weekend of Python will not change your position; the error list from this week will.
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 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks, Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks, Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping and Stockers and Order Fillers. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

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

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

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for stock control clerks / assistants, 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 48% 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 stock control clerks / assistants. 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 stock control clerks / assistants launches. Nothing else.

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

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

No Space for stock control clerks / assistants yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for stock control clerks / assistants 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 stock control clerks / assistants launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Stock control clerks and assistants?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 39 official task statements scored for Stock control clerks and assistants (United Kingdom, SOC 4133), 48% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 49 out of 100 (range 43–55, 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 “Stock control clerks and assistants” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Order new stock based on inventory needs” (81/100, very high); “Verify that all paperwork is accurately completed” (81/100, very high); “Log shipment data, including weight, charges, and space availability, for reporting purposes” (81/100, 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 “Stock control clerks and assistants” stay human?: About 31% 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: “Move stock with a forklift truck” (0/100, minimal); “Pack materials for shipping using hand tools or power tools” (0/100, minimal); “Deliver and retrieve items to and from departments by hand or using trolleys” (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 “Stock control clerks and assistants” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 48% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 31% 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 Stock control clerks and assistants calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 39 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.
12 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.