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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
SCOTUS backs Trump on layoffs

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to proceed with plans to lay off tens of thousands of federal employees without Congressional approval. In an 8-1 decision, the justices lifted a previous order from U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, who had blocked the mass layoffs across more than 20 federal agencies. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, arguing that Congress should have the authority to determine the size and function of federal agencies. The court said: “The Government is likely to succeed on its argument that the Executive Order and Memorandum are lawful,” although it did not address specific layoffs. The ruling comes amid ongoing litigation, but the justices are unlikely to reverse their decision. The layoffs could affect agencies such as Health and Human Services, which plans to cut 8,000 to 10,000 employees, and the Veterans Administration, which initially aimed to lay off 83,000 but has since reduced that number to about 30,000.

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Human Times
UK
Streeting warns against new doctor strikes

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned BMA junior doctors that the public “will not forgive” a new wave of strikes, firmly stating no further pay rises will be offered. Doctors have voted for six more months of strikes, demanding a 29% increase. NHS leaders warn of “mass patient suffering” and disruptions to the new ten-year NHS plan. Despite 90% voting for strikes, turnout was only 55%, meaning just one-third of resident doctors backed action. Mr Streeting said: “It doesn’t even command majority support among BMA resident doctors.” Doctors received 5.4% this year and 22% last year—the highest public sector increases. A recent poll found only 21% of voters support renewed strikes, while 56% oppose them.

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Human Times
Europe
Heatwave deaths highlight worker risks

A record-breaking European heatwave in late June, intensified by climate change, caused over 2,300 deaths across 12 cities, according to a rapid attribution study by Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Researchers concluded that global warming made the event up to 4°C hotter and three times more deadly. An estimated 1,500 of these deaths could have been avoided without climate change. Most fatalities occurred at home or in hospitals, often unrecognised due to overlapping symptoms. While Spain, France, Greece, and Italy are tightening workplace safety rules—such as hydration breaks, schedule adjustments, and outdoor work bans—experts warn these policies are still insufficient. HR leaders should expect increasing regulatory pressure to adapt work conditions and protect employees from extreme heat exposure.

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Human Times
Middle East
UAE hiring surges 4%

In the second quarter of 2025, hiring in the UAE increased by 4%, the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, according to Cooper Fitch's quarterly report. While the UAE thrived, other GCC nations experienced slower hiring due to the Eid holidays, with Saudi Arabia and Oman seeing a modest 2% increase, and Bahrain at 1%. In contrast, Kuwait and Qatar faced declines of 4% and 3%, respectively. The report highlighted strong demand in sectors like finance, legal, and technology, although many firms paused senior-level hiring due to budget constraints and shifting priorities. Overall, the UAE's job market remains robust, with expectations for continued growth into the third quarter.

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