Now Reading: AI workers fear layoffs even as India adds 2.6 jobs per loss
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AI workers fear layoffs even as India adds 2.6 jobs per loss
More than half of India's AI and machine learning workers expect layoffs within three to six months, a Blind survey of 1,552 professionals found. Engineers are least worried, with only 24% anticipating…
The Story in Brief
More than half of India's AI and machine learning workers expect layoffs within three to six months, a Blind survey of 1,552 professionals found. Engineers are least worried, with only 24% anticipating job cuts. Separately, Nomura economists report that India adds 2.6 AI jobs for every role displaced, but the new jobs require specialised skills, threatening entry-level graduates.
The survey placed sales and marketing as most at risk (68%), followed by AI/ML (66%) and product/design (65%). Nomura's analysis of 69 employment cases across Asia found over 90% of AI-related hires in technology, while financial services saw most cuts. The economists warn of a two-tier labour market.
The Indian Opinion
The twin reports puncture two lazy narratives: that AI jobs are bulletproof and that AI is a net job destroyer. The Blind survey shows AI workers are almost as worried as sales staff. Yet Nomura's data shows India is adding more AI jobs than it loses. The real problem is the mismatch: new roles demand advanced degrees, while entry-level opportunities shrink. The test will come when quarterly hiring data from IT firms reveals whether freshers are being absorbed or left out.
Sources (2): livemint.com, businesstoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
