UK employers are leaning on artificial intelligence to triage a flood of applications, leaving many first-time job seekers feeling locked out of the process. With vacancies nearly halved since their post-pandemic peak, companies are automating résumé screening and early-stage video interviews, sometimes issuing rejections within minutes. A 20-year-old business student who sent more than 100 applications described AI-led interviews as “robotic” and “brutal.”
Recruiters say the technology brings scale and consistency. Adecco Group CEO Denis Machuel argues AI’s efficiency widens the funnel but inevitably increases the number of disappointed candidates. Law firm Mishcon de Reya is piloting a chatbot from Bright Network to question applicants and flag potential AI-generated responses, saying the tools could reduce bias—while keeping humans in final hiring decisions.
The arms race cuts both ways: as employers deploy AI, candidates use generative tools to write CVs and applications. Proponents tout fairness and speed; critics cite opacity, the risk of bias, and the loss of human judgment early in the process. The emerging consensus among large recruiters: blend AI’s efficiency with human oversight to avoid alienating qualified talent.
Related articles:
The European Approach to Artificial Intelligence (European Commission)
AI Risk Management Framework (NIST)
