UPDATE: Police in Cornwall are urgently seeking a masked vandal caught on CCTV spraying the provocative message, “AI will take our jobs,” across several locations, including Polbathic, Widegates, and Crafthole. This incident raises critical questions about the future of employment in the age of artificial intelligence.
The graffiti artist’s alarming warning is resonating with many as concerns mount over the potential for AI to disrupt the workforce. Recent data from TotalJobs reveals a dramatic rise in demand for tech skills, with mentions of tech-related capabilities in UK job adverts soaring by 12% between 2024 and 2025. Notably, one in four recruiters now considers AI the most valuable skill when determining compensation and promotions.
Despite the fears, experts caution against a rush to judgment. A report by Oxford Economics suggests skepticism about firms swiftly replacing employees with AI, even in sectors primed for disruption. They state, “firms don’t appear to be replacing workers with AI on a significant scale,” and highlight that productivity measures have not yet shown the anticipated increases associated with such technology.
In a contrasting perspective, Robert Half indicates that 56% of UK firms plan to expand their tech teams in the first half of 2026, signaling a robust demand for human expertise in technology roles. Additionally, two-thirds of tech workers have reported pay increases in the past year, significantly outpacing the national average.
The debate over AI’s impact on entry-level and graduate jobs remains contentious. While many analysts point to these positions as vulnerable, the broader narrative paints a more complex picture, with employment taxes and rising labor costs driving unemployment more than AI itself.
As the investigation into the Cornwall vandal continues, it’s clear that the implications of AI on the labor market are far-reaching and nuanced. The masked artist’s message serves as a provocative reminder of the urgent discussions surrounding technology’s role in future employment. Authorities are calling for anyone with information on the vandal to come forward as they attempt to address this pressing issue.
NEXT: Watch for further developments as both law enforcement and economic experts weigh in on the implications of AI for the workforce and the local community’s reaction to this bold act of graffiti.
