What happened PwC UK received 100,000 graduate applications for 2,000 roles, a 35% year-on-year increase.
Firm restricted automation of entry-level tasks to ensure junior staff develop professional judgment. Policy maintains manual workflows for foundational accounting and consulting work. PwC prioritises human oversight over immediate AI-driven efficiency gains in training programmes. Move responds to tightening UK graduate labour market and shifting professional standards.
Why it matters
Restricting automation creates a floor for operational costs because talent partners and CTOs must maintain manual training cycles. Pattern mirrors IBM tripling US junior hiring this week, suggesting shift away from job cuts seen in January. Because junior staff require foundational tasks to build judgment, full automation blocks development of future senior architects. Resulting talent gaps increase long-term recruitment costs.
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