UK Businesses Turn to Automation Amid Economic Pressures
Rising operational costs and demographic shifts are pushing UK businesses toward robotic solutions. Japanese takeaway chain K10 exemplifies this trend, having reduced staff by 27% while maintaining output through kiosks and automated ovens. The £25bn employer tax hike in Rachel Reeves' Budget accelerated this pivot.
Britain's aging population compounds the challenge—fewer workers must support more retirees, creating structural pressure for productivity gains. K10 now handles 400-500 daily orders per location with 25% fewer employees, outsourcing food prep and deploying self-service tech akin to McDonald's.
This automation wave reflects broader macroeconomic forces. As Maurice Abboudi, K10's owner, notes: "Our profit was absolutely decimated" by £160,000 in new levies. The MOVE preserves margins but underscores how fiscal policy and demographics are reshaping labor markets.
