Peking University Researcher: AI Freezes Entry-Level Hiring Rather Than Causing Mass Layoffs
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By Qu Yunxu Published: Jun. 26, 2026 6:31 p.m. GMT+8
Summary
A Peking University researcher, Zhang Dandan, argues that AI is reshaping the labor market not through mass layoffs but by freezing or reducing entry-level hiring. Companies are retaining existing staff while slowing external recruitment as AI takes over routine tasks, which disproportionately hurts young job seekers and accelerates flatter management structures. Macro employment and unemployment rates remain stable despite these shifts.
Source
bskyPeking University Researcher: AI Freezes Entry-Level Hiring Rather Than Causing Mass Layoffscaixinglobal.comKey quotes
· 2 pulledAI is reshaping the global labor market not by triggering mass layoffs of existing workers but by causing employers to pull back on hirings for new, entry-level positions
Macro employment and unemployment rates remain stable as companies prefer to freeze or reduce external recruitment rather than proactively firing current staff
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