1 in 4 jobs at risk of being replaced by robots in the North

Northern and Midlands cities will be more exposed to job losses as the rise of robots continues, according to a new survey.

The Centre for Cities is warning that national and local leaders should act now to prepare people and places for the changes ahead.

Automation and globalisation will boost jobs in British cities over the coming decades, but will also deepen economic and political divisions across the country.

1 in 5 existing jobs in British cities are likely to be displaced by 2030 as a result of automation and globalisation – amounting to 3.6m jobs in total – with retail occupations, customer service roles and warehouse jobs among those most at threat.

In contrast, the cities with the lowest shares of jobs at risk are predominantly affluent places in the South of England which voted in favour of remaining in the European Union.

Commenting on these findings, Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said: “Automation and globalisation will bring huge opportunities to increase prosperity and jobs, but there is also a real risk that many people and places will lose out.

“The time to act is now – national and local leaders need to ensure that people in cities across the North and Midlands can share in the benefits these changes could offer.”