UK workers use AI far more, but deeper users see bigger gains
Google UK and Public First found that workplace AI use in Britain rose from 34% in 2025 to 73% in 2026. The report splits workers into four groups. 10% do not really use AI, 38% try it for simple questions and drafts, 37% use it regularly for research and problem-solving, and 15% use it in deeper ways such as and .
The top 15% save almost 8 hours a week across work and personal life. They are also 84% more likely to have been promoted in the past year, 88% more likely to have had a positive review, and 55% more likely to have received a pay rise. These links remained after accounting for age, sector, gender, ethnicity, education, and business size.
The main blockers are simple habits: using AI once and stopping, treating it like a search box, not improving the prompt, not trying features, and lacking clear workplace guidance. Only 37% of previous AI users have asked AI to help them write a better prompt. Public First launched an AI skills quiz, and Google tied the work to its AI Works for Britain training effort and the UK goal of training 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030.
Key points
- UK workplace AI use rose from 34% in 2025 to 73% in 2026.
- The most advanced 15% of users report saving almost 8 hours each week.
- Advanced users report higher chances of promotion, good reviews, and pay rises.
- Many people still use AI like a search box instead of improving the prompt or using it collaboratively.
- Lack of clear workplace guidance keeps some workers from using AI confidently.