Increasing use of AI to enhance efficiencies in the professional services industry is pioneering how the UK can tackle its labour market issues, according to consulting firm RSM UK.
While the group’s latest economic outlook found the UK to be the top performing G7 economy in the first half of 2025, RSM UK has warned that challenges in the labour market are making growth a challenge.
“A weakening labour market is affecting availability of jobs and pay growth in some sectors more than others,” said Chole Austin, director and senior analyst in professional and business services at RSM UK.
While many consider AI efficiencies as a solution to this, Austin said the professional services industry was firmly leading the charge.
“PBS firms are therefore increasingly integrating AI to enhance efficiencies and client delivery, while also helping clients in other sectors become more productive and resilient,” said Austin.
The benefits are clear. AI is being used in the sector to automate routine tasks, freeing up senior staff’s time to focus on strategy and high-value work.
This presents some drawbacks, however, with professional service companies slashing the number of entry-level jobs available as AI is used more, forcing firms to question how they can develop and retain talent.
For Austin, this has led to a “greater focus now on quality over quantity”, with recruitment strategies prioritising AI and data literacy skills and giving junior staff earlier exposure to “high impact work”.
Austin said: “Not only does this help to retain top talent and accelerate professional development, it also helps to build a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
“Firms that invest in AI and align their leadership around a coherent digital strategy are likely to gain a competitive edge including new service offerings, improved client outcomes and enhanced profitability.”
