Research suggests that 10–20% of the UK’s 30,110 recognised job titles could become obsolete by around 2030–2040.
This was taken from data in the Office for National Statistics (2020) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) Coding Index and estimates from PwC (2018), IPPR (2024), and OECD (2023) on the impact of AI on UK jobs.
Headline grabbing statements such as these, make us stop and think. There is no shortage of evidence that in the workplace, AI is increasingly being used day to day. For example in recruitment, 90% of employers use some AI package to help shortlist or filter applications and applicants also increasingly use AI to apply for roles.
What is growing and developing in the AI space is generative AI, this subset of artificial intelligence can create original content such as text, images, videos, audio, or software code in response to user prompts. Estimates show that this form of AI has the capability to replace clerical, back office, entry level roles and some of the forecasts of the numbers of jobs affected are quite alarming.
How do Universities respond and specifically how do careers teams help students and graduates navigate this changing world. What hasn’t changed is that employers still value skills as well as formal qualifications, skills such as teamwork, digital literacy and more. These are often skills that students gain doing their studies but importantly skills they also gain undertaking jobs in the workplace alongside their studies.
Cheltenham’s business community continues to show remarkable resilience in the face of rising costs, competitive labour markets, and ongoing skills shortages. Yet many small and medium-sized enterprises are still grappling with one persistent challenge: finding the right people, at the right time, without stretching already tight budgets.
Unitemps is in the unique central spot of the Venn diagram where the challenge of the University in supporting its students and recent graduates to gain work alongside their studies meets with employers seeking talented recruits.
Unitemps is for Gloucestershire businesses and is the University of Gloucestershire’s ethical recruitment service—a practical, community-first solution to their staffing needs.
Unlike traditional commercial agencies, Unitemps operates as part of the University of Gloucestershire, with all revenue reinvested directly into enhancing the student experience. This ethical model enables the service to offer competitive and flexible rates, making quality recruitment far more accessible to smaller employers.
For Cheltenham businesses, this means gaining access to a pipeline of skilled, motivated students and graduates who are eager to contribute fresh thinking, creativity, and energy to the local economy.
Recently a current marketing graduate had a wonderful opportunity to support the launch of the new Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury in the summer and has been invited back to help with the Christmas rush, gaining an ideal chance to apply theoretical knowledge in the workplace and enhancing her CV at the same time.
Cheltenham’s economy thrives on innovation—something Unitemps candidates offer in abundance. Recognised as being at the forefront of aerospace and engineering, cyber startups, the festivals the hospitality and retail sectors, the University has students and graduates skilled in digital media, admin, events, finance, research, tech, customer service and more to bring a blend of fresh perspective and practical skills.
Employers really value recruitment help at specific times, this is because it can ease recruitment burdens for example, Unitemps handles Right to Work checks, payroll, Agency Worker Regulations compliance, and candidate screening. Businesses gain peace of mind knowing all legal and administrative responsibilities are covered, while workers are treated fairly from day one.
Longer term, there is an aspiration in Gloucestershire to hang on to new talent and the interesting and heartening prospect of partnering with Unitemps at University of Gloucestershire, means that businesses are investing in Cheltenham’s future workforce. This is no small achievement. By providing paid opportunities, businesses help students navigate the cost-of-living crisis and improve their long-term career prospects—while keeping talent within the county.
A recent University of Gloucestershire graduate was thrilled to be moved from a four-month assignment through Unitemps to a full-time permanent role with the company Permali in Gloucester this September. It was brilliant to see how that partnership had created a win not only for the young person but also the local company and Gloucestershire
Unitemps offers options to suit businesses of all sizes from a full 360° Recruitment Service with everything managed, from advertising and shortlisting to interview coordination—saving employers time and resources. Alternatively for employers wishing to manage the hiring themselves, there is an option for advert-only, to simply post a vacancy to the University’s talent pool and screen the applicants directly.
For local employers, Unitemps offers a dependable, affordable alternative at a time when recruitment challenges are hitting hardest. For students and graduates, it opens the door to meaningful work and long-term opportunities—right here in Gloucestershire.
Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce members can begin working with Unitemps by arranging an introductory conversation with the team to discuss roles, budgets, and hiring needs. Once agreed, employers simply complete a booking form outlining the role and required skills.
