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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
A group of Republican-led U.S. states has filed a lawsuit to block the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from enforcing broad legal protections for transgender workers. The states argue that the EEOC lacks the authority to assert that federal law allows transgender workers to use bathrooms that match their gender identity. The EEOC recently updated its guidance on workplace harassment, stating that discriminating against gay and transgender workers is a form of unlawful sex bias. However, the states claim that federal law only protects transgender workers from being fired but does not require employers to accommodate them. The lawsuit also challenges the constitutionality of the EEOC's structure as an independent agency. The states involved in the lawsuit include Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Full IssueHuman Times
UK
Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that while the unemployment rate increased to 4.3% between January and March, pay rises, excluding bonuses, remained at 6% despite predictions of a decline. Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said that once inflation was taken into account, "real pay growth remains at its highest level in well over two years." The report also shows that the number of jobs on offer dropped by 26,000 to 898,000 between February and April. The number of unemployed people per vacancy rose to 1.6 in Q1, up from 1.4 between October and December 2023. The ONS said: "Although this ratio remains low by historical standards, it does demonstrate a slight easing in the labour market, with vacancies falling alongside rising unemployment." The number of people claiming benefits rose to 1.5m in April, with this up 29,300 compared to April 2023. The rate of people considered economically inactive - those aged between 16 and 64 who are not in work or looking for a job – dipped slightly to 22.1% in Q1.
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Europe
The European Central Bank (ECB) has called for the monitoring and regulation of AI in finance to prevent harm to consumers and ensure market functioning. The ECB acknowledges the benefits of AI in the financial sector, including improved information processing, customer service, and cyberthreat detection. However, it also warns of risks such as herding behaviour, over-reliance on limited providers, and sophisticated cyberattacks. The ECB stresses the need for close monitoring as AI technology evolves and suggests regulatory initiatives if market failures arise. The European Union has already introduced AI rules, but the ECB notes that the adoption of AI systems by European financial institutions is still in the early stages.
Full IssueHuman Times
Middle East
A report on compensation for migrant workers who helped build the World Cup stadiums in Qatar has not yet been published by FIFA, more than 16 months after the tournament. The report, which addresses the question of legacy and remedies for workers, was submitted by consultancy Human Level in December 2023. FIFA has stated that the report is currently being reviewed and discussed by stakeholders. Amnesty International has called for the report to be made public, stating that the delay prolongs the suffering of workers who were abused while delivering the World Cup. The need for transparency and publication of the report is underlined as FIFA strengthens its ties with Saudi Arabia.
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