You’re all signed up for the Human Times
Thank you for your interest in our service.
Watch out for a confirmation email from our subscriptions team. Once you have confirmed you will join the worldwide community of over 30,000 subscribers who are receiving daily HR intelligence to lead, innovate and grow.
Note: Due to the nature of this message you may find this in your "promotions" or "spam" folders, please check there. If nothing arrives within a few minutes let us know. If you do not receive this email we will be happy to help get you set up.
Adding the email address [email protected], will help to ensure all newsletters arrive directly to your inbox.
Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
U.S. companies will no longer be able to enforce noncompete agreements on employees, following a rule approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The ban aims to increase job mobility and prevent restrictions on workers' ability to switch jobs for higher pay. The FTC argues that noncompete agreements harm workers and the economy by reducing job churn and limiting the hiring ability of other businesses. The rule, which received support from the majority of the 26,000 comments received, will take effect in six months unless blocked by legal challenges. Business groups have criticized the measure, claiming it exceeds the FTC's authority. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans to sue to block the rule. Noncompete agreements are already banned in three states, including California.
Full IssueHuman Times
UK
Martin Rolfe, the CEO of the UK's air traffic services provider, has defended engineers who work from home, telling MPs the ability to problem solve remotely when called upon was "a bonus." NATS - formerly National Air Traffic Services – came under fire last year when an IT systems failure led to air traffic chaos and grounded flights, with Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary accusing engineers of "sitting at home in their pyjamas." Mr Rolfe has defended NATS’ staffing arrangements, telling the Transport Committee his organisation operated a "very similar model to almost all of the rest of critical national infrastructure." He insisted that there were always engineers on site to solve problems but noted that expert "design engineers" were needed for particularly complex issues. Remote working technology, he argued, enables these engineers to look into issues immediately.
Full IssueHuman Times
Europe
The European Parliament has passed new legislation to protect workers employed by digital platforms, such as couriers, drivers, and food delivery providers. The law creates a presumption of employment relationship, shifting the burden of proof to the platform to demonstrate that the worker is not an employee. The legislation aims to improve working conditions and prohibits firing workers based on algorithmic decisions. It also mandates human oversight for crucial decisions and imposes restrictions on processing personal data. Member States have two years to incorporate these rules into national law, which could lead to a broader review of employment contracts for workers under B2B agreements.
Full IssueHuman Times
Middle East
Saudi Attorney General and Chairman of the Council of Public Prosecutions, Sheikh Saud Al-Muajab, has given his approval for the establishment of the Center for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims. This centre aims to provide legal protection to individuals who may be at risk for providing information on crimes. The law ensures their protection from any threat, danger, or harm. The centre will take necessary measures to protect these individuals from physical injury and ensure their health, safety, and social adaptation. The law also grants criminal penalties for any behaviour that poses a threat to those under protection.
Full Issue