UK workers spend £1bn on AI tools for work

UK employees are investing nearly £1 billion annually into generative AI tools for professional use, revealing a significant gap between corporate oversight and workforce behavior. A comprehensive survey by Deloitte UK, which polled 25,000 individuals, found that approximately £958 million is spent out of pocket each year by workers who choose to pay for these services themselves. This financial commitment highlights a broader shift in how technology is integrated into daily operations, with employers often remaining unaware of the extent of this adoption.

The data indicates that 63% of UK working adults aged 18 to 70 knowingly utilize generative AI in their jobs, with nearly a quarter engaging with these tools on a daily basis. While the majority rely on free versions (46%), a notable portion uses employer-funded platforms (34%) or proprietary in-house solutions (17%). However, the visibility of this usage is low. Approximately 31% of users admit to employing generative AI without their employer’s knowledge, a phenomenon frequently referred to as shadow AI.

This secrecy is driven largely by cultural pressures within the workplace. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents feel there is a stigma attached to using AI at work. Among those who use the technology weekly, 64% express concern that their manager might perceive them as replaceable. Consequently, many workers bypass formal channels to gain an edge.

Hayley McKelvey, Deloitte UK’s chief AI officer, noted that the figures demonstrate a workforce eager to act autonomously rather than waiting for institutional approval. She stated that workers “don’t want to wait for permission,” leading many to purchase premium versions independently. McKelvey emphasized that leaders must address the fear driving this behavior, advising companies to help staff “use AI responsibly, with a clearly articulated and well-understood goal.”

Despite high adoption rates, organizational support remains inadequate. About half of the workers using generative AI have received no formal training on safe usage, and 65% report that leadership provides little guidance. This lack of structure creates risk for both employees and organizations.

Paul Lee, head of industry insight at Deloitte UK, argued that the core issue is not the adoption itself but the environment in which it occurs. He remarked, “The story here isn’t that workers are using GenAI; it’s that they are using it despite limited training, patchy guidance and, in some cases, without their employer’s knowledge.” Lee suggested that companies can maximize benefits by moving beyond simple access provision to implementing clear rules and educational frameworks.

In terms of practical application, most usage focuses on routine administrative tasks. The most frequent activities include searching for information and drafting emails, each cited by 43% of users. Summarizing documents follows at 31%. Users estimate that these tools save them an average of 70 minutes per week, although this figure is self-reported rather than measured directly.

Globally, the financial picture varies significantly. In the United States, data from fintech company Ramp shows that the median employer spends only about $11 per employee monthly on AI, suggesting a much more conservative approach to budgeting compared to the substantial personal investment seen in the UK.

The survey was conducted online by Ipsos UK between May 7 and June 10, 2026. Researchers used quotas for age, gender, employment status, industry, and region to ensure the results were representative of the offline population.