Researchers say insurance 136th most likely to be automated out of 366 occupations

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The 33,000 people working for UK insurance underwriters are 66% likely to be replaced by machines, according to researchers.

Underwriting came 136th out of 366 different occupations on which was most likely to be automated in the future, according to a study called The Future of Emplolyment: How Susceptible are Jobs to Automation, from Oxford University’s Martin School.

Researchers ranked occupations on factors such as the need for empathy and client interaction, creativity and negotiation skills.

Social workers, nurses, therapists and psychologists were among the least likely occupations to be taken over, while roles requiring employees to think on their feet and come up with creative and original ideas, held a significant advantage in the face of automation.

In addition, managerial and negotiating roles were less at risk.

Top of the list for automation, were jobs like telemarketers and bank clerks. And with artificial intelligence gaining in sophistication, algorithms are challenging a number of office and administrative support roles, particularly in legal and financial services.

“Machines are already beginning to take on a number of tasks carried out by legal professionals by scanning thousands of documents to assist in pre-trial research,” the study said.

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The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.