UK dataswitch to US
Upholsterers
covering furniture frames with padding and fabric, defining materials, construction methods and specifications for producing upholstered furniture and creating necessary patterns for leather work and upholstery. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: covering furniture frames with padding and fabric is work software can't reach.
What shifts is maintaining records of completed work to document upholstery projects: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.
Your week, as this page understands it
Upholsterers upholster vehicle, aircraft and other seating, fix trimmings to the interiors of vehicles and aircraft, upholster furniture such as chairs and sofas, and make mattresses, curtains and other soft furnishings. The job title says “upholsterers”. The real job is the part underneath: covering furniture frames with padding and fabric. 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 upholsterers is not one task. It is 57 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is covering furniture frames with padding and fabric, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 8%
- changing shape
- 7%
- staying human
- 85%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 14 out of 100 (11–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 57 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 upholsterers 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.
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.
- 2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- 20 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
5 tasksTasks 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.
Defining materials, construction methods and specifications for producing upholstered furniture
This is reading one thing and writing another: materials, construction methods and specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Define materials, construction methods, and specifications for producing upholstered furniture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up materials and build specifications is document work, and the fire and quality rules are all written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining records of completed work to document upholstery projects
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of completed work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Maintain records of completed work to document upholstery projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (86–100 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: Keeping job records is straightforward written admin that software produces quickly and consistently.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recording machine maintenance information to ensure operational efficiency and safety
This is reading one thing and writing another: machine maintenance information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 5411/01Source: “Record machine maintenance information to ensure operational efficiency and safety.” (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: Recording maintenance details against each machine is straightforward logging.
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.
Planning work tasks and timelines to meet deadlines
This is reading one thing and writing another: work tasks in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5411/02Source: “Plan work tasks and timelines to meet deadlines.” (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: Planning tasks and timelines is well suited to these tools, though realistic dates depend on knowing the team.
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
4 tasksTasks 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.
Designing upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans from sketches or blueprints
The software now makes the first pass at upholstery cover patterns, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Design upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans from sketches or blueprints.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out pattern shapes and how to fit them onto cloth is a design and maths job software already handles.
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.
Reading job sheets to determine required processes
The software now makes the first pass at job sheets, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5411/02Source: “Read job sheets to determine required processes, techniques, materials, or equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out from a job sheet what materials and methods are needed is paperwork reading that 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.
Ensuring upholstery products meet industry specific regulations
The software now makes the first pass at upholstery products meet industry specific regulations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5411/02Source: “Ensure upholstery products meet industry specific regulations, legislation and standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Checking work against written fire safety and furniture standards is document checking that software does thoroughly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
48 tasksTasks 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.
Covering furniture frames with padding and fabric
This work happens in the physical world: furniture frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5411/02Source: “Cover furniture frames with padding and fabric, using stitching, staples, tacks or glue.” (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: Padding and covering a frame with fabric is upholstery 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.
Upholstering items
This work happens in the physical world: items, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 5411/02Source: “Upholster 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: Covering and finishing furniture is skilled 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.
Selecting, and applying suitabling upholstery fillings and suspensions using traditional or modern techniques
This work happens in the physical world: upholstery fillings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/02Source: “Select and apply suitable upholstery fillings and suspensions using traditional or modern techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The choice can be looked up against fire and quality standards, but fitting it into the frame is handwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Show the other 47 tasks
Estimating costs for projects to provide accurate client quotes and manage materials
shifting to AIThis is reading one thing and writing another: costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 5411/02Source: “Estimate costs for projects to provide accurate client quotes and manage materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Costing a job from materials and hours is arithmetic against known prices, 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 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Examining guides and specification sheets to identify setup requirements
changing shapeThe software now makes the first pass at guides, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5411/01Source: “Examine guides and specification sheets to identify setup requirements.” (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: Pulling setup requirements out of written specifications is exactly the kind of reading software does quickly and reliably.
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.
Providing estimates for traditionally upholstered furniture to customers to meet their requirements
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles estimates and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Provide estimates for traditionally upholstered furniture to customers to meet their requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: The pricing maths is easy to automate, but agreeing a quote with a customer is a conversation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting malfunctioning equipment to supervisors to arrange repairs
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/01Source: “Report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors to arrange repairs.” (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: Reporting a fault is quick paperwork, but spotting it means being in the kitchen.
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.
Communicating effectively with team members and colleagues
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles team members and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 5411/02Source: “Communicate effectively with team members and colleagues.” (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: Day-to-day communication with colleagues works because people know and trust each other.
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.
Conferring with colleagues to get information about order details
staying humanThe value here is that a specific person handles colleagues and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 5411/01Source: “Confer with colleagues to get information about order details, processing plans, or problems that occur.” (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: Checking order details and problems with colleagues is a conversation on the floor.
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.
Creating necessary patterns for leather work and upholstery
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: necessary patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Create necessary patterns for leather work and upholstery.” (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: Pattern shapes can be worked out digitally, though getting them right usually means fitting them to the actual piece.
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.
Managing internal upholstery projects from conception to successful completion
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: internal upholstery projects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5411/02Source: “Manage internal upholstery projects from conception to successful completion.” (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: Planning and tracking is easy to automate, but running a workshop project means being on the floor with the team.
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.
Collaborating with interior designers to decorate rooms and coordinating furnishing fabrics
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: interior designers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5411/02Source: “Collaborate with interior designers to decorate rooms and coordinate furnishing fabrics.” (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: Working with a designer on room fabrics involves seeing materials together and agreeing choices in 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 2/4.
Preparing templates for trimming and upholstery tasks
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: templates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Prepare templates for trimming and upholstery tasks.” (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 shapes can be worked out on screen, but cutting and checking the templates happens at the bench.
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.
Working safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of self
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: all times, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Work safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of self and others.” (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: Working safely with staple guns, foam and adhesives is something an upholsterer does at the bench; software can only supply the rules.
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.
Leading, managing and coach teams to ensure effective results in a modern upholstery environment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: coach teams, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5411/02Source: “Lead, manage and coach teams to ensure effective results in a modern upholstery environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 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: Getting the best from a workshop team depends on knowing the people and being there with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Adjusting cutting techniques according to fabric types and garment styles
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: techniques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/01Source: “Adjust cutting techniques according to fabric types and garment styles.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Judging how a fabric behaves under the blade comes from handling it at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting furniture frames, upholstery, springs and webbing to locate defects
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: furniture frames, upholstery, springs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Inspect furniture frames, upholstery, springs, and webbing to locate defects.” (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: Finding a broken spring or perished webbing means pressing, lifting and looking at the actual piece.
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.
Identifying any faults in hides of leather and propose solutions for their use in upholstery
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: any faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Identify any faults in hides of leather and propose solutions for their use in upholstery.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting scars and thin patches in a hide comes from handling and looking at the skin itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Realising and maintaining customers' expectations when upholstering products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: customers' expectations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5411/02Source: “Realise and maintain customers' expectations when upholstering products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Meeting what a customer pictured depends on both the craft work and the trust built with them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting patterns and material according to these patterns using measuring instruments and scissors
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/01Source: “Cut patterns and material according to these patterns using measuring instruments and 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 cloth to a pattern is done with scissors 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 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting products to ensure they meet specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/01Source: “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.
Placing patterns on top of fabric layers
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/01Source: “Place patterns on top of fabric layers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Laying patterns onto cloth 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.
Adjusting machine settings, speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machine settings, speed or tension, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/01Source: “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.
Performing test production runs and making adjustments as necessary to ensure that completed products meet standards and specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: test production runs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/01Source: “Perform test production runs and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that completed products meet standards and 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: Running test production and tweaking as you go 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.
Cleaning and lubricating equipment as part of machine maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/01Source: “Clean and lubricate equipment as part of machine maintenance.” (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 lubricating a machine is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Leveling and aligning machine components
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machine components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/01Source: “Level and align machine components such as dies, cutters, and needles for operation readiness.” (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: Levelling and aligning dies, cutters and needles is precise hand work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Starting machines, monitor operations and making adjustments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machines, monitor operations and making adjustments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/01Source: “Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Starting a machine and adjusting it while it runs happens at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Stopping machines when specified amounts of product
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/01Source: “Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.” (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: Stopping the machine at the right point 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.
Applying traditional upholstery techniques, create, renovate or restoring furniture pieces
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: traditional upholstery techniques, create, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/02Source: “Apply traditional upholstery techniques in order to create, renovate or restore furniture 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: Traditional stuffing, stitching and restoring is done by hand on the frame.
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.
Creating soft furnishings, cushions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: soft furnishings, cushions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/02Source: “Create soft furnishings such as cushions.” (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: Making cushions means cutting, sewing and filling real material.
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 new covering materials following sketches and designing specifications
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: new covering materials following sketches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/02Source: “Cut new covering materials following sketches and 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: Cutting covering material to a pattern is handwork with a blade.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Using hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hand tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5411/02Source: “Use hand tools and knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Using the tools on the piece is the task itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Building furniture up with loose fibre stuffing
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: furniture up, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Build furniture up with loose fibre stuffing, cotton, felt, or foam padding to form smooth, rounded surfaces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shaping padding into smooth rounded surfaces is done by feel with 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.
Cutting fabric to correct measurements
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fabric, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Cut fabric to correct 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting cloth accurately is bench work with a blade.
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.
Manufacturing upholstered furniture to traditional standards for quality craftsmanship
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: upholstered furniture, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Manufacture upholstered furniture to traditional standards for quality craftsmanship.” (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 furniture to craft standards is skilled physical making.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing fabric components for upholstery products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fabric components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Prepare fabric components for upholstery products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and preparing the fabric pieces happens at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing covering, webbing, padding or defective springs from workpieces, using hand tools, hammers and tack lifters
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: defective springs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Remove covering, webbing, padding, or defective springs from workpieces, using hand tools such as hammers and tack lifters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stripping a piece back is done with hammers and tack lifters 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.
Replacing and securing webbing padding or springs in place
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: springs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5411/02Source: “Replace and secure webbing, padding, or springs in place.” (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 new webbing and springs into the frame is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Attaching buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners or other accessories, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “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.
Interweaving and fastening strips of webbing to the backs and undersides of furniture
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: strips, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Interweave and fasten strips of webbing to the backs and undersides of furniture, using small hand tools and fasteners.” (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: Weaving and fastening webbing strips is manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Marking cutting lines around patterns or templates
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: lines around patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Mark cutting lines around patterns or templates, or follow layout points, using squares, rulers, and straightedges, and chalk, pencils, or scribers.” (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: Marking cutting lines with a rule and scriber is done by hand on the material.
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.
Remove old or antique upholstery to begin restoration or repair
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: old, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5411/02Source: “Remove old or antique upholstery to begin restoration or repair.” (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 stripping of an old piece 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.
Attaching trimmings, bindings, buttons and braid to garments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: trimmings, bindings, buttons and braid, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/02Source: “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.
Laying out patterns onto material using measuring instruments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: patterns, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/02Source: “Lay out patterns onto material using 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: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking out onto the material is physical 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 3/4.
Operating hand-operated machines to glue and stitch materials together
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hand-operated machines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5411/02Source: “Operate hand-operated machines to glue and stitch materials 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: Running the machine and feeding the material needs 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.
Attaching bindings or applying solutions to edges of cut material to prevent fraying
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bindings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Attach bindings or apply solutions to edges of cut material to prevent fraying.” (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: Sealing cut edges is done on the material itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Creating tufting in fabric using needles and thread
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: fabric, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Create tufting in fabric using needles and thread.” (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: Tufting is pulled through by hand and judged 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.
Repairing furniture frames
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: furniture frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5411/02Source: “Repair furniture frames.” (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 a wooden frame means glue, clamps 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.
Understanding and appreciating the finish of show wood frames and implementing traditional solutions
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the finish of show wood frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5411/02Source: “Understand and appreciate the finish of show wood frames and implement traditional solutions, for example French polishing.” (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: French polishing is judged by eye and applied by hand over many passes.
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.
Refinishing exposed wood on furniture
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: exposed wood, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5411/02Source: “Refinish exposed wood on furniture.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stripping and refinishing wood is hands-on work 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 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £27,900a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
- People doing this job
- 12,800in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: records of completed work in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: maintaining records of completed work to document upholstery projects and defining materials, construction methods and specifications for producing upholstered furniture. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where furniture frames 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: covering furniture frames with padding and fabric is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 8% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 7% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 85% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 57 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. Maintaining records of completed work to document upholstery projects is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to records of completed work, 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 furniture frames 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 designing upholstery cover patterns and cutting plans from sketches or blueprints. 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 upholsterers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was textile process operatives: only about 14% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 14/100 here, with only 8% of the task list in the top band, and “cover furniture frames with padding and fabric, using stitching, staples, tacks or…” 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.
Textile process operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “perform test production runs and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that completed products meet standards…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 14% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 14% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
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 8% 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 8% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Sewing machinists
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 buttons, hooks, zips, fasteners, or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 8% 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 8% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £24,813 against your £27,909, 11.1% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
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: 8% of its task weight, across 57 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 covering furniture frames with padding and fabric 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 Upholsterers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
In US official statistics this job is counted as Upholsterers. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
In England:
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
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:
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
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
In 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 upholsterers, 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 8% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.
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 upholsterers. 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 upholsterers 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 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 Upholsterers?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 57 official task statements scored for Upholsterers (United Kingdom, SOC 5411), 8% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 14 out of 100 (range 11–19, 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 “Upholsterers” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Record machine maintenance information to ensure operational efficiency and safety” (93/100, very high); “Maintain records of completed work to document upholstery projects” (93/100, very high); “Plan work tasks and timelines to meet deadlines” (75/100, 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 “Upholsterers” stay human?
- About 85% 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: “Refinish exposed wood on furniture” (0/100, minimal); “Understand and appreciate the finish of show wood frames and implement traditional solutions, for example French polishing” (0/100, minimal); “Repair furniture frames” (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 “Upholsterers” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 8% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 85% 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 Upholsterers 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 57 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.
- 2 tasks scored differently between repeat runs, so their range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 20 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.
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}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . 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.