Imperial College London Report Finds Nearly One-Third of UK Gen Z Workers Use AI Secretly

On November 12, 2026, a report from Imperial Lifelong Learning was highlighted by DEV Community, drawing attention to how AI is being used in the UK workplace and how workers perceive their own skills in relation to their industries. The findings are based on a survey of 2,000 employees across the country.

According to the report, 17% of UK workers use AI tools, such as ChatGPT, at work without informing their employer. This figure rises significantly among younger demographics, with 29% of Gen Z workers—nearly one in three—admitting to using AI on the job without their boss's knowledge. This suggests a higher level of comfort with concealing AI usage among the younger generation compared to the workforce average.

Beyond the use of AI, the report highlights a discrepancy between individual confidence and industry-wide perceptions of skill gaps. A overwhelming 97% of workers expressed confidence that they possess the skills necessary to meet the demands of their roles over the next 12 months. Despite this personal assurance, 59% of respondents acknowledged a significant skills gap within their specific industry. Furthermore, among those who use AI regularly, 70% also identified such a skills gap. This data indicates that while individual employees feel prepared for future tasks, there is a broader consensus that the industry as a whole is facing shortages in critical skills, a view shared by the majority of regular AI users. As of now, the discussion remains focused on these specific statistics and the report's insights into the workforce's relationship with emerging technology.