Will AI replace Tailors and dressmakers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 129 official task statements scored for Tailors and dressmakers (United Kingdom, SOC 5413), 12% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 17 out of 100 (range 14–22, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Tailors and dressmakers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain all relevant paperwork, including show notes, costume description lists, and understudy information” (93/100, very high); “Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, and costume checks” (93/100, very high); “Calculate the finished garments' dimensions” (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 “Tailors and dressmakers” stay human?

About 82% 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: “Store tools in accordance with health and safety requirements” (0/100, minimal); “Maintain the work area according to safety and environmental standards” (0/100, minimal); “Inspect products to ensure they meet specifications” (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 “Tailors and dressmakers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 12% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 82% 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 Tailors and dressmakers 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 129 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

Tailors and dressmakers

carrying out alterations and repairs on clothing items, designing a garment pattern for clothing and evaluating clothing or sewn product design briefs and adapt standard block patterns to reflect the given designs. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 12%
changing shape: 7%
staying human: 82%

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

Whole-job exposure score 17 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 129 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 tailors and dressmakers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

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

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

What shifts is creating design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly: the paper around the work, not the work.

Your week, as this page understands it

Tailors and dressmakers prepare patterns and make, fit and alter tailored garments, dresses and other articles of clothing. The job title says “tailors” or “dressmakers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines. 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 tailors and dressmakers is not one task. It is 129 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 12%
changing shape: 7%
staying human: 82%

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.

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.

Creating design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly
This is reading one thing and writing another: design specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5413/01, 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing sewing and assembly instructions is documentation, though the construction know-how behind it sits with the maker.
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 2/4.
Logging required alterations and instructions on labels
This is reading one thing and writing another: required alterations in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Log required alterations and instructions on labels.” (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: Writing clear alteration instructions is simple record work, though it follows from what was pinned at the fitting.
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.
Estimating garment production costs based on time and material requirements
This is reading one thing and writing another: garment production costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Estimate garment production costs based on time and material 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: Costing from material quantities and standard times is arithmetic against known rates, which 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.
Interpreting the brief and production schedule in relation to costume requirements
This is reading one thing and writing another: the brief in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5413/01
Source: “Interpret the brief and production schedule in relation to costume 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: Turning a brief and schedule into a list of costume requirements is reading and organising, which 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.

Changing shape

11 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.

Adapting design patterns to fit specific measurements for tailoring
The software now makes the first pass at design patterns, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 90 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Adapt design patterns to fit specific measurements for tailoring.” (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: Grading a pattern to a set of measurements follows documented rules and is routinely done in software.
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.
Planning rework processes to improve production
The software now makes the first pass at rework processes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 5413/01, 5413/02
Source: “Plan rework processes to improve production.” (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: Analysing where work goes wrong and redesigning the steps is planning work software supports well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Engaging with clients to understand their needs and requirements
The software now makes the first pass at clients, 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 85 · 5413/02
Source: “Engage with clients to understand their needs and requirements.” (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: Clients explain what they actually need in conversation with someone they trust.
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

99 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.

Sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Sew garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sewing is hands-on machine work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Advising customers on selecting suitable fabrics for their clothing projects
The value here is that a specific person handles customers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Advise customers on selecting suitable fabrics for their clothing projects.” (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: Fabric guidance is documented, but customers want a person who has felt the cloth to advise 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 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Positioning patterns of garment parts on fabric
This work happens in the physical world: patterns of garment parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Position patterns of garment parts on fabric.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (7–31 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low 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: Pattern nesting software is mature, but laying patterns on real cloth is done by hand.
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.

Show the other 119 tasks

Maintaining all relevant paperwork, including show notes, costume description lists and understudy information
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: all relevant paperwork, including show notes in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Maintain all relevant paperwork, including show notes, costume description lists, and understudy information.” (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: This is structured written record-keeping, which software produces quickly and keeps consistent.
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.
Creating worksheets for dressing lists
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: worksheets in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, and costume checks.” (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: Building worksheets from information already held is straightforward document production.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Calculating the finished garments' dimensions
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the finished garments' dimensions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Calculate the finished garments' dimensions.” (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: This is measurement arithmetic against standard rules, which software does faster and more accurately than by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying historical clothing styles for use in period-specific film productions
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: historical clothing styles in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5413/01
Source: “Identify historical clothing styles for use in period-specific film productions.” (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: Costume history is enormously well documented in books, museums and images, so identifying period styles is strong research ground.
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.
Producing a design using programmes like Adobe Illustrator
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: a design in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/06
Source: “Produce a design using programmes like Adobe Illustrator.” (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: Producing artwork in standard design software is well documented and AI-assisted.
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.
Using computer software to create graphic designs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: computer software in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5413/06
Source: “Use computer software to create graphic designs.” (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: Design software and AI tools now produce strong artwork, with the sign maker refining it for print.
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.
Reading scripts to determine location
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: scripts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.” (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: Reading a script to pull out location, set and design requirements is document work software handles quickly and 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 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading and understanding dressing shooting and rehearsal schedules
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: rehearsal schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Read and understand dressing, shooting, and rehearsal schedules.” (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: Pulling what matters out of production schedules is reading and summarising, something software is quick and reliable at.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Breaking down the plot to determine specific wardrobe needs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the plot in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 5413/01
Source: “Break down the plot to determine specific wardrobe needs.” (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 a script and listing what each character needs to wear is a text task 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.
Breaking down scripts for dressing and standing by using appropriate methods
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: scripts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Break down scripts for dressing and standing by using appropriate methods.” (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 through a script to plan dressing and stand-by duties is structured reading, which 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 3/4.
Calculating the financial cost of specific pieces of work
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the financial cost of specific pieces of work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/02
Source: “Calculate the financial cost of specific pieces of work.” (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: Costing follows a clear method, though how long a particular bespoke job takes is judged from experience.
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.
Maintaining inventories of costumes, wigs or makeup
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: inventories of costumes, wigs or makeup in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Maintain inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup.” (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: Inventory lists are easy to keep digitally, though someone still has to see what is physically on the rail.
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.
Maintaining records of clothing and accessory status
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 5413/01
Source: “Maintain records of clothing and accessory status.” (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 the records is simple admin, though the condition of each item has to be seen to be recorded.
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.
Recording quantities of materials
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: quantities of materials in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5413/02
Source: “Record quantities of materials processed.” (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: Recording quantities is simple admin, though the amounts come from what was actually used at the bench.
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.
Recommending budget allocations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: budget allocations in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Recommend budget allocations for costumes, storage, and makeup needs to managers.” (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 budget from known costs and needs is arithmetic and drafting, well within what software 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.
Assisting with coding and managing the running order of costumes for shows
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at coding, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Assist with coding and managing the running order of costumes for shows.” (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: Sequencing and coding costumes against a show order is list and scheduling work software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing a garment pattern for clothing
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at a garment pattern, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Design a garment pattern for clothing.” (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: Pattern drafting follows well-documented rules and is already done in software, though fit still needs checking on a body.
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.
Assessing and evaluating garment specifications for colour and longevity
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at garment specifications, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5413/06
Source: “Assess and evaluate garment specifications for colour and longevity.” (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: Fabric performance and colour standards are documented, so checking a specification against them is desk work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating clothing or sewn product design briefs and adapt standard block patterns to reflect the given designs
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at sewn product design briefs, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5413/06
Source: “Evaluate clothing or sewn product design briefs and adapt standard block patterns to reflect the given designs.” (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: Reading a brief and adjusting standard blocks follows documented rules, which software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining regular communication with clients to confirm garment specifications
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at regular communication, 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 · 5413/06
Source: “Maintain regular communication with clients to confirm garment specifications.” (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: Written updates and confirmations are easy to produce, though bespoke clients expect a relationship with their tailor.
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.
Producing conceptual sketches using traditional hand-drawing techniques
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at conceptual sketches, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5413/06
Source: “Produce conceptual sketches using traditional hand-drawing techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (37–61 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: AI produces convincing sketches, though a hand-drawn concept carries the designer's own mark.
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 4/4.
Buying costumes or other wardrobe necessities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at costumes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Buy costumes or other wardrobe necessities.” (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: Searching suppliers, comparing options and placing orders is largely online work already.
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 and reporting issues internally throughout the production process
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at issues internally throughout the production process, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 5413/06
Source: “Identify and report issues internally throughout the production process, which affect quality and meeting deadlines.” (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: Flagging quality and deadline issues is reporting work, though it depends on noticing them in production.
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.
Sketching or writing notes for alterations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: notes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 5413/01
Source: “Sketch or write notes for alterations.” (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: Writing up alteration notes is easy, but they come from pins and marks made at the fitting.
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.
Copying designs for garments to fit measurements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: designs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Copy designs for garments to fit measurements.” (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: Reproducing a design at given measurements is largely drafting work, though checking it against cloth happens at the table.
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.
Creating new patterns or adapt existing ones
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: new patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/06
Source: “Create new patterns or adapt existing ones.” (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: Pattern drafting and adaptation follow documented rules and are already done in software, with checks against real cloth.
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.
Informing supervisors of stock needs and shortages
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: supervisors of stock needs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Writing up shortages is simple, but noticing them means checking the shelves yourself.
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.
Creating garment designs by hand for bespoke fashion
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles garment designs and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 85 · 5413/06
Source: “Create garment designs by hand for bespoke fashion.” (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: Bespoke design starts from client conversations and hand drawing, though AI can offer options.
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.
Collaborating with designers and garment technologists to finalise patterns for production
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles designers and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 5413/06
Source: “Collaborate with designers and garment technologists to finalise patterns for production.” (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: Technical pattern detail can be drafted, but finalising it happens in discussion with designers over real samples.
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.
Following specific design instructions in project execution
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specific design instructions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/06
Source: “Follow specific design instructions in project execution.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Instructions are clear, but executing them involves the physical product.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Controlling and suitably storing items
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: storing items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/06
Source: “Control and suitably store items, stock, and products to maintain their fitness for use.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stock records are easy to computerise, but moving and storing the pieces safely is manual.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying issues that may lead to bespoke garment fitting problems and report findings and recommendations to improve them
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/06
Source: “Identify issues that may lead to bespoke garment fitting problems and report findings and recommendations to improve them.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting fitting problems needs the garment on someone, although the write-up afterwards is ordinary report work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Assessing repair requests for bespoke garments and suggest remedies for issues like wear or poor stitching
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repair requests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/06
Source: “Assess repair requests for bespoke garments and suggest remedies for issues like wear or poor stitching.” (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: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Common faults and remedies are well known, but judging wear and stitching quality means examining the garment.
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 2/4.
Consulting with clients to understand their specific needs and preferences
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: clients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/06
Source: “Consult with clients to understand their specific needs and preferences.” (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: Questions can be scripted, but customers explain what they want in conversation with a person.
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.
Assisting with the distribution and logging of costumes for performances
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the distribution, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Assist with the distribution and logging of costumes for performances.” (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: Logging is simple record work, but getting costumes to the right dressing rooms means carrying them.
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.
Executing costume design details in collaboration with production staff
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costume design details, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/01
Source: “Execute costume design details in collaboration with production staff.” (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: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Costume details are worked out with the production team during rehearsals and fittings.
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 2/4.
Coordinating with specialists, consultants and clients to create custom costumes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specialists, consultants and clients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/01
Source: “Coordinate with specialists, consultants, and clients to create custom costumes.” (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: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Notes and schedules can be handled digitally, but agreeing a costume with designers and clients happens in meetings and fittings.
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 2/4.
Hiring, training, scheduling and supervising alteration workers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: alteration workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Hire, train, schedule, and supervise alteration workers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 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: Rotas can be automated, but hiring, training and supervising people depends on working alongside them.
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 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Stocktaking stock to determine types or conditions of available costuming
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Stocktake stock to determine types or conditions of available costuming.” (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: The list is easy to maintain, but counting costumes and checking their condition means handling them.
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.
Reviewing and assessing garments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Review and assess garments for fit, quality, cost, and finish against design specifications and customer requirements.” (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: Specifications are documented, but judging fit and finish means handling the actual garment.
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.
Developing and operating
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/01, 5413/02
Source: “Develop and operate a systemised, logical and efficient workstation and work process.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The process can be designed on paper, but setting up and working the bench 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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting material to ensure it meets quality standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/01, 5413/02
Source: “Inspect material to ensure it meets quality standards, identifying and reporting flaws and faults such as shading, holes, overprint, scruffs, fibre structure and marks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Image checking is improving, but spotting and reporting fabric faults means handling the material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Examining repair tags and markings on garments and marking errors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repair tags, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Examine repair tags and markings on garments and mark errors as necessary.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repair tags can be read digitally, but the garment has to be examined and marked by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Managing costume adjustments due to cast or script changes as directed by a senior team member
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costume adjustments due, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/01
Source: “Manage costume adjustments due to cast or script changes as directed by a senior team member.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The paperwork is easy, but re-fitting and altering the actual costumes is workroom work.
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 2/4.
Dealing with returns of costumes once a production
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: returns of costumes once a production, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Deal with returns of costumes once a production has finished.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Returning costumes involves paperwork, but the garments have to be packed and physically sent back.
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 2/4.
Adhering to health and safety requirements in the workplace
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Adhere to health and safety requirements in the workplace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can set out the safety rules, but following them around sewing machines, irons and cutting tools is something the tailor does personally.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Meeting Health and Safety compliance requirements in line with company policies and procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/01
Source: “Meet Health and Safety compliance requirements in line with company policies and procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Meeting the workshop's safety rules is done by the dressmaker at the bench; software can only supply the procedures and paperwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assisting with maintaining costume continuity according to context
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: maintaining costume continuity, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/01
Source: “Assist with maintaining costume continuity according to context.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Costume continuity is checked against what is actually on the performer, on set.
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.
Qualitying check garment components and materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: check garment components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02, 5413/06
Source: “Quality check garment components and materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking stitching, weight and finish means handling the actual pieces.
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.
Monitoring various machines' operation to detect and correct malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: various machines' operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5413/02
Source: “Monitor various machines' operation to detect and correct malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or cardboard tension.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Noticing a machine misbehaving and putting it right happens at the machine.
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.
Making quality checks at each production stage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: quality checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/06
Source: “Make quality checks at each production stage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Quality checks at each production stage rely on looking at, smelling and tasting the product.
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.
Testing hand tools, machinery and other equipment for garment formation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hand tools, machinery and other equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/06
Source: “Test hand tools, machinery, and other equipment for garment formation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking that tools and machines work properly means using them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Meeting production deadlines and industry standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: production deadlines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Meet production deadlines and industry standards, ensuring timely delivery of the final product.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Schedules can be tracked automatically, but delivering finished garments on time is workroom output.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Following specific project or task instructions provided by clients
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specific project, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/01, 5413/02
Source: “Follow specific project or task instructions provided by clients.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can turn a client's brief into clear instructions, but carrying those instructions through into the finished garment is handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Creating product samples in collaboration with machinists
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: product samples, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/06
Source: “Create product samples in collaboration with machinists.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making a sample is machine and bench work done alongside the machinist.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Directing the work of wardrobe crews during performances
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the work of wardrobe crews during performances, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Direct the work of wardrobe crews during performances.” (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: Running a quick change backstage depends on being there with the crew as it happens.
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.
Constructing bespoke patterns and carry out fittings ensuring the bespoke commission meets client requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: bespoke patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/06
Source: “Construct bespoke patterns and carry out fittings ensuring the bespoke commission meets client requirements.” (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: Patterns can be drafted digitally, but a bespoke fitting is done on the client with pins and chalk.
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.
Constructing costumes as per design specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costumes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/01
Source: “Construct costumes as per design 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: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building a costume is cutting, sewing and fitting real fabric.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Applying a variety of preparation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a variety of preparation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/01, 5413/02, 5413/06
Source: “Apply a variety of preparation, sewing, handling techniques and construction methods to assemble and finish bespoke garments or parts of bespoke garments that meet quality requirements.” (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 and finishing a bespoke garment is skilled handwork at the machine and table.
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.
Dressing or assisting with dressing the cast
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dressing the cast, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/01
Source: “Dress or assist with dressing the cast.” (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: Helping an actor into a costume needs hands and a person there.
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.
Checking costume fit on cast members
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costume fit, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/01
Source: “Check costume fit on cast members.” (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: Fit is judged on the actual body wearing the garment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Fitting alter and repairing costumes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: alter, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/01
Source: “Fit, alter, and repair costumes as needed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Altering and repairing costumes is needle-and-thread work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Participate in costume fittings to ensure proper fit and design
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costume fittings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/01
Source: “Participate in costume fittings to ensure proper fit and design.” (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: A fitting only works with the performer and the garment in the same room.
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.
Checking the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the appearance of costumes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/01
Source: “Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.” (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: How a fabric reads under stage lighting has to be seen in the theatre.
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 1/4.
Pressing garments using final press techniques
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/01, 5413/02, 5413/06
Source: “Press garments using final press techniques.” (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: Pressing a garment properly is done by hand with an iron.
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.
Cleaning and pressing costumes, organising dry or wet cleaning
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costumes, organising dry or wet, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/01
Source: “Clean and press costumes, organising dry or wet cleaning as instructed.” (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 pressing costumes is hands-on work with the garments themselves.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Packing and storing costumes in accordance with production or performance requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costumes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Pack and store costumes in accordance with production or performance requirements.” (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 and storing costumes is physical handling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting all areas for costuming of the production
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Set all areas for costuming of the production such as lorries, dressing rooms, costume tents or quick change areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up dressing rooms, trucks and quick-change areas is physical work done in the venue.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Storing costumes after a production
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: costumes after a production, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/01
Source: “Store costumes after a production has finished.” (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 costumes into storage 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.
Attaching trimmings, bindings, buttons and braid to garments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: trimmings, bindings, buttons and braid, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/02
Source: “Attach trimmings such as bindings, buttons, and braid to garments.” (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: Attaching trims means needle, thread and hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting out the fabric using the pattern pieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the fabric, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/02, 5413/06
Source: “Cut out the fabric using the pattern pieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting cloth accurately is bench work with shears.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Taking measurements and readings to ensure garment fit
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: measurements, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/02
Source: “Take measurements and readings to ensure garment fit.” (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: Measuring a garment or a body is done with a tape in your hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Attaching buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners or other accessories, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02
Source: “Attach buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners, or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing buttons and zips onto fabric is machine work with hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting products to specified dimensions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02
Source: “Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting product to size uses hand or power cutters.
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.
Draping and pinning fabric pieces onto a mannequin to get the right fit
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabric pieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02, 5413/06
Source: “Drape and pin fabric pieces onto a mannequin to get the right fit.” (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: Draping is judged by eye and pinned by hand on the stand.
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.
Guiding garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02
Source: “Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.” (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: Guiding fabric under a needle is entirely manual.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Producing hand sewn work, beading or blind hemming
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: hand sewn work, beading or blind, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02
Source: “Produce hand sewn work such as beading or blind hemming.” (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: Beading and blind hemming are done stitch by stitch by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Tailoring garments to customer specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Tailor garments to customer 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: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tailoring to a customer's measurements is handwork on the garment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Altering items by adding missing stitches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Alter items by adding missing stitches.” (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: Adding missing stitches is handwork on the item.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Attaching trimmings and labels to articles with adhesive
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: trimmings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Attach trimmings and labels to articles with adhesive, using brushes or adhesive guns.” (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: Gluing on trims and labels is manual.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Folding twist, stretch or drape material in preparation for sewing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: twist, stretch or drape material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Fold, twist, stretch, or drape material in preparation for sewing.” (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: Folding, twisting and draping cloth is pure handwork; the fabric has to be handled by a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting garments to locate defects or damage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Inspect garments to locate defects or damage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Finding a tear or a mark means examining the garment itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Matching cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cloth pieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02
Source: “Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.” (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: Matching cloth pieces and dye lots means handling the fabric.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Performing specialised or automatic sewing machine functions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specialised, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Perform specialised or automatic sewing machine functions, such as buttonhole making or tacking.” (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: Buttonholing and tacking are done at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Adjusting machine settings, speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: machine settings, speed or tension, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Adjust machine settings such as speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Changing machine speed and tension settings is done at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting assembled or finished products to ensure conformance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: assembled, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Inspect assembled or finished products to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.” (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: Measuring finished products with precision instruments requires handling them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring parts, fasteners or trimmings for alignment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, fasteners or trimmings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02, 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Measure parts, fasteners, or trimmings for alignment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking alignment means holding the pieces together and looking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating single or double needle overlocking machines to join or reinforcing material
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: single, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Operate single or double needle overlocking machines to join or reinforce material.” (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: Overlocking is machine work with the fabric in your hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Placing spools of thread or pre-wound bobbins into shuttles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: spools of thread, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Place spools of thread or pre-wound bobbins into shuttles, spindles, or loopers of stitching machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Loading bobbins and spools is manual.
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.
Providing sewing tools and materials to support garment production
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Provide sewing tools and materials to support garment production.” (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: Supplying tools and materials to the line is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing garments by adding replacement parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Repair garments by adding replacement parts.” (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: Replacing garment parts is handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Trimming excess material or cutting threads off finished products for a smoother finish
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: excess material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/02
Source: “Trim excess material or cut threads off finished products for a smoother finish.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming threads and material is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inserting bobbins into machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: bobbins, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/02
Source: “Insert bobbins into machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting bobbins into machines is manual.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating flat-bed felling machines to decorate material or articles
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: flat-bed felling machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/02
Source: “Operate flat-bed felling machines to decorate material or articles.” (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: Felling machines need an operator at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Positioning items under needles using marks on machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: items under needles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/02
Source: “Position items under needles using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.” (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: Positioning work under the needle is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing completed garments from sewing machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: completed garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/02
Source: “Remove completed garments from sewing machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking finished work off the machine is a physical step.
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.
Threading ends of items like thread
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ends of items like thread, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5413/02
Source: “Thread ends of items like thread, cloth, and lace through needles, rollers, and around take-up tubes.” (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: Threading machines is fiddly manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Marking or pinning appliques on fabric to achieve design variations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appliques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/02
Source: “Mark or pin appliques on fabric to achieve design variations.” (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: Pinning appliques onto fabric is handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Replacing worn or defective needles and other components using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: worn, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/02
Source: “Replace worn or defective needles and other components using hand 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: Changing needles and components with hand tools is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Taping or twisting together thread or cord to repair breaks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: together thread, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/02
Source: “Tape or twist together thread or cord to repair breaks.” (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: Rejoining thread is a small, fiddly job done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Carrying out alterations and repairs on clothing items as requested by customers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: alterations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Carry out alterations and repairs on clothing items as requested by customers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Altering a garment is cutting, unpicking and sewing by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring customers, using tape measures and recording measurements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: customers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.” (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: Measuring a person requires being with them, tape in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Making final adjustments to garments before pressing and finishing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: final adjustments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Make final adjustments to garments before pressing and finishing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Final adjustments are made by hand on the garment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing stitches from garments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: stitches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using quick unpick tools or razor blades.” (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: Unpicking seams is careful handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Taking up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: or let down hems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.” (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: Changing a hem length is sewing done on the garment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Adding or removing padding as part of garment style changes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: part of garment style changes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Add or remove padding as part of garment style changes.” (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: Reshaping with padding is done inside the garment by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting fabric along outlines using scissors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabric along outlines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Cut fabric along outlines using scissors.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting along a marked line is hands-on bench work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Pressing garments using hand irons or pressing machines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: garments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Press garments using hand irons or pressing machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Pressing garments with an iron or press 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.
Sewing buttonholes to complete garment alterations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: buttonholes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/06
Source: “Sew buttonholes to complete garment alterations.” (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: Buttonholes are stitched on the garment at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Tapering trouser legs as part of garment style changes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: trouser legs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5413/03, 5413/06
Source: “Taper trouser legs as part of garment style changes.” (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: Reshaping trouser legs is cutting and sewing by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Trimming excess material from parts using knives or scissors
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: excess material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Trim excess material from parts using knives or scissors.” (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: Trimming back material is done by hand on the piece.
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.
Replacing buckles, laces, zips or straps
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: buckles, laces, zips or straps, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Replace buckles, laces, zips or straps.” (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: Swapping fastenings means unpicking and resewing by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inserting padding and shaping materials into garments to maintain form
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/03, 5413/04, 5413/05, 5413/06
Source: “Insert padding and shaping materials into garments to maintain form.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Placing padding correctly inside a garment is done by feel.
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.
Sewing buttonholes to finish knitted or millinery items
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: buttonholes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5413/05
Source: “Sew buttonholes to finish knitted or millinery items.” (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: Finishing buttonholes on knitwear or hats is delicate handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting and assembling fabric pieces to make up garments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabric pieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5413/06
Source: “Cut and assemble fabric pieces to make up garments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and assembling fabric pieces is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Handling bespoke cut components or finished garments with utmost care
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: bespoke cut components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/06
Source: “Handle bespoke cut components or finished garments with utmost care.” (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: Careful handling of cut cloth and finished garments 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.
Inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5413/06
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.
Maintaining the work area according to safety and environmental standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/06
Source: “Maintain the work area according to safety and environmental standards.” (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: Keeping the work area clean and safe is physical work in the kitchen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Storing tools in accordance with health and safety requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5413/06
Source: “Store tools in accordance with health and safety requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Putting tools away safely happens in the workshop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £25,200a 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: 12,000in 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: design specifications in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: creating design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly and logging required alterations and instructions on labels. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where garments 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

Start with what does not change: sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 12% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 7% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 82% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 129 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Creating design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to design specifications, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding: a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes: ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether garments are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near adapting design patterns to fit specific measurements for tailoring. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

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

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

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to tailors and dressmakers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was textiles, garments and related trades n.e.c.: only about 5% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 17/100 here, with only 12% of the task list in the top band, and “apply a variety of preparation, sewing, handling techniques and construction methods to…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

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

3 moves I checked and rejected

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

Textiles, garments and related trades n.e.c.
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “attach trimmings such as bindings, buttons, and braid to garments”. 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 →
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “create garment designs by hand for bespoke fashion”. 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 →
Footwear and leather working trades
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements”. 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 →

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: 12% of its task weight, across 129 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like sewing garments or books using needles and thread or sewing machines arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Costume Attendants 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 Costume Attendants, Sewing Machine Operators, Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers, Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers and Cutters and Trimmers, Hand. 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 tailors / dressmakers, 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 12% 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 tailors / dressmakers. 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 tailors / dressmakers 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 tailors / dressmakers 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 tailors / dressmakers 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 tailors / dressmakers 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 Tailors and dressmakers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 129 official task statements scored for Tailors and dressmakers (United Kingdom, SOC 5413), 12% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 17 out of 100 (range 14–22, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Tailors and dressmakers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain all relevant paperwork, including show notes, costume description lists, and understudy information” (93/100, very high); “Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, and costume checks” (93/100, very high); “Calculate the finished garments' dimensions” (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 “Tailors and dressmakers” stay human?: About 82% 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: “Store tools in accordance with health and safety requirements” (0/100, minimal); “Maintain the work area according to safety and environmental standards” (0/100, minimal); “Inspect products to ensure they meet specifications” (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 “Tailors and dressmakers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 12% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 82% 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 Tailors and dressmakers 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 129 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
2 rows are marked low confidence, so treat them as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
61 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.