Business & Technology
UK jobseekers use AI in applications, but trust humans
Nearly half of UK jobseekers are using artificial intelligence tools in job applications, according to a survey by Omni RMS. But many candidates still place more trust in human-led hiring.
The study of 739 UK candidates found that 47% had used AI to support applications, mainly to improve CVs, tailor submissions to job descriptions and prepare for interviews. At the same time, 42% said they trusted human-led recruitment more than AI-supported processes, underscoring unease about how employers use automation in hiring.
Employer adoption is also rising. Omni cited industry data showing that 31% of organisations now use AI or machine learning in hiring, up from 16% in 2022, while 78% increased their use of recruitment and onboarding technology in 2023.
That shift appears to be creating tension on both sides of the labour market. More than a third of jobseekers, 34%, said they had already encountered AI being used by employers during a hiring process. Nearly a quarter of organisations, 23%, are trying to monitor or limit applicants’ use of generative AI tools.
Candidate friction
The findings suggest candidates are willing to use AI as a personal aid but remain wary when it becomes a visible part of employer decision-making. Across all age groups, the most important step for improving trust in AI-assisted hiring was human oversight alongside AI decision-making, cited by 33% of respondents. Clear explanations of how AI is used came next at 26%, followed by greater transparency around candidate data at 17%.
Traditional concerns still carry more weight in a job search. Salary and benefits were named by 49% of respondents as a key factor when seeking a new role, while 41% pointed to flexible working and 29% to working from home or hybrid options. Career development opportunities were cited by 28%.
The survey also highlighted long-standing frustrations with recruitment processes. Long applications were identified by 49% of candidates as a major deterrent, while 46% pointed to poor communication. More than a third, 34%, said they struggle to find roles that match their skills and career goals.
Generational split
Younger candidates appeared to be the most conflicted. Among people aged 17 to 25, 57% said they use AI tools during applications, yet 36% said they would consider withdrawing from a process if they felt an employer relied too heavily on AI. That was the highest proportion of any age group.
Older candidates were more likely to say their reaction would depend on the role or organisation. This view was held by 35% of those aged 46 to 55 and 52% of those aged 56 to 65.
Louise Shaw, Managing Director of Omni RMS, said reactions to AI varied by age and job type. “The study shows that candidate reactions to the use of AI is influenced by the role or the organisation. This suggests that if a candidate wants to work in a certain company or is very invested in a role, they may be more tolerant of the perceived overuse of AI. This was particularly true for older generations. Gen X (35%) and Baby Boomers (52%) all agreed that their perception of the overuse of AI in the recruitment process would depend on the role or organisation. Further to this, around 10% from both 46-55 year olds and 56-65 year old felt unsure on whether AI overuse by an employer would encourage them to withdraw from a job application process.”
Hiring pressure
The backdrop is a labour market in which employers are still struggling to fill vacancies. Omni cited data showing that 84% of organisations tried to fill roles in 2023 and 64% reported difficulties attracting suitable candidates. For employers facing large applicant volumes, AI tools offer a way to sort and screen applications more quickly, but the survey suggests this approach may carry reputational risks if candidates feel shut out of the process.
Shaw said the findings reflect what recruiters are seeing across the market. “The findings from the 2026 study reflects what we’re seeing across the recruitment market: the use of AI is being considered by both organisations looking for candidates and candidates when applying. Whilst technology is helping to improve efficiency and streamline processes, it is also changing candidate expectations.”
Nearly half of respondents, 46%, said they believe AI will improve the recruitment experience over the next few years. Yet 56% said they would be more likely to trust employers that provide honest job descriptions, including clear salary information and realistic expectations of the role.
For recruiters, that leaves a narrow path between efficiency and confidence. Human oversight, clear communication and shorter application processes were among the strongest factors candidates identified as reasons to trust an employer.
Long application forms remain one of the biggest complaints, with 49% of candidates citing them as a source of frustration.
Lidl has been given planning permission to build its ninth supermarket in Oxfordshire, despite concerns over flooding.
Aldi opened in Didcot in 2015 and has a supermarket at the Jubilee Way roundabout but shoppers in the town have had to wait over a decade for Lidl to follow.
READ MORE: Popular hi-fi shop has closed down
South Oxfordshire District Council has now backed plans by the German retailer for a new supermarket in Abingdon Road.
Former Didcot mayor Mocky Khan said: “This give the residents of Didcot more choice, especially when you consider the cost of living environment we have at the moment.
“The town is growing with more new homes being built, and with more growth it’s good to have a wide variety of supermarkets to fit all budgets,”
The plans for the new supermarket were first submitted in 2024.
Didcot Town Council previously objected to the scheme, on the grounds of a lack of flood risk mitigation measures, along with the county council who said there was “insufficient information”.
The town council noted there are “several flooding incidents in the area, especially when the Marsh Bridge water pumps fail”.
But in a report by planning officers granting permission to the supermarket, those issues have now been addressed by Lidl.
The officers said the proposals “largely accord” with the policies around planning, and more can be done to “break up” the car park with greenery.
Planning officers chose to let Lidl build the new supermarket subject to conditions.
They said in a report: “Balanced against this policy conflict is the fact that this is a previously developed site, which is currently in a dilapidated state.
“The proposals represent a significant improvement on the current underutilisation of the site and on its appearance.
“The National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan set out significant support for the reuse of previously developed land.
“As stated in the applicant’s planning statement, there have been previous enquiries as to the redevelopment of the site that have not come to fruition.
“Given this, finding a viable use for the site is a clear benefit which I consider to be of substantial benefit.”
Thirty-four residents had objected to Lidl’s plans, highlighting concerns over extra traffic, there being no need for another supermarket in the town and there being more appropriate locations to build in their view.
Didcot already has an Aldi store just off Broadway and a Sainsbury’s, M&S Foodhall and Asda.
The nearest Lidl to the proposed site are in Lupton Road, Wallingford, and Marcham Road in Abingdon.
Three people wrote in to support the new Lidl, recognising the benefits of a discount food store and the further jobs it will create.
Lidl has said its proposals for a Didcot supermarket would deliver 40 full-time equivalent jobs as well as further employment during the construction phase.
No opening date was given by the retailer, while the developer is currently on site progressing with the enabling works.
A spokesman said: “We’ve seen demand for our affordable, high-quality products continue to rise in Oxfordshire, and we are committed to serving more communities in the area.
“Our new store will create around 40 new jobs and build on our continued growth.
“We’re excited to be a step closer to opening this store and thank everyone who has supported us on our journey so far.”
It also said the £12m investment would work with the 6,300 new homes allocated to be built, as per the local plan.
Dalcour Maclaren, a specialist in utilities and infrastructure, announced the news on June 22, following a detailed assessment of its operations, including governance, employee wellbeing, environmental impact, and social responsibility.
James Neil, CEO of Dalcour Maclaren, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Dalcour Maclaren.
“B Corp status gives us the official badge that recognises everything that matters most to us in our culture, our values, and how we make decisions for our people and our clients. We thrive on doing things differently at DM and B Corp absolutely endorses this.”
The certification means the company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Dalcour Maclaren now joins more than 10,000 B Corps worldwide and over 2,600 in the UK, including well-known names such as The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, and The Big Issue.
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, said: “Welcoming Dalcour Maclaren to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”
Dalcour Maclaren operates across the UK and Ireland, supporting major projects in energy, water, transport, and digital infrastructure. The company’s services include land, planning, environment, stakeholder engagement, and geospatial services.
South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet will consider a targeted, one-off reduction in business rates in July, aimed at easing pressure on pubs across the district.
The move follows growing concern that many venues are struggling with rising costs despite their importance as community hubs, rural assets and employers.
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “Everyone knows that pubs are experiencing significant financial pressures.
“These venues play an important role in the economy and are vital for ensuring a thriving local community.
“We’re carefully considering how best to provide targeted support for pubs in South Oxfordshire which will both help to strengthen our local and rural economy and safeguard employment in our hospitality sector.”
Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers said: “While this support can’t fix everything, it’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re staying focused on collaborating with our local pubs and partners to provide the practical support and guidance they need right now.”
Details of the proposed business rates support are set out in a report to cabinet on July 2, when a decision is due to be made.
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