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Human Times helps you stay ahead of the latest news and trends that impact the HR industry. Every weekday, our unique blend of AI and team of expert HR and employment editors and researchers monitor 100,000s of articles, and social posts to create summaries of the most relevant and useful content to help you lead, innovate and grow. The award winning Human Times newsletter has four geographical editions with news tailored to your region.
From HR leadership to diversity and inclusion, hybrid working, organisational data, performance management, and retention strategies, Human Times is the only trusted free online news source dedicated to covering the most up to date headlines, articles, reports and interviews to make sure you’re abreast of changes in the HR industry.
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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The unemployment rate for U.S. IT workers decreased slightly to 2.8% in April from 3% in March, reflecting targeted hiring by companies to bolster their artificial intelligence initiatives. According to CompTIA, technology firms like Microsoft and Salesforce hired approximately 4,280 workers in April, primarily in technology services and software development roles, as well as in cloud infrastructure and data processing. This hiring trend is partly in preparation for future growth, particularly in areas that support generative AI technologies. Despite this, the broader U.S. job market saw a slowdown, with only 175,000 jobs added in April compared to over 300,000 in March, and the overall unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.9%. Tech companies are also contemplating AI as a cost-effective alternative to hiring, which could impact entry-level IT roles traditionally filled by humans.
Full Issue
Human Times
UK
Trade unions have warned Labour not to dilute its package of workers' rights. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that crossing a red line would occur if the party does not fully commit to delivering its 'New Deal for Working People.' The plan, proposed by Angela Rayner in 2021, includes radical changes such as banning zero-hour contracts, ensuring regular hours for 12 weeks or more, and making flexible working a right from day one. Shadow ministers are discussing how to address concerns and are expected to seek union approval for the revised plan.
Full Issue
Human Times
Europe
UK accounting giant BDO has decided to ban remote-only interviews due to concerns over cheating. The firm, which is the UK's fifth largest accountancy firm, has abandoned online tests, video meetings, and virtual assessment centres in favour of face-to-face interviews. BDO made the decision after suspecting that some applicants were using Zoom interviews to cheat. As a result, all shortlisted candidates for BDO's September 2024 graduate intake were required to meet the employer in person. Applicants for the trainee scheme were offered £150 in compensation to be interviewed at the office they had applied to work at. BDO's decision comes in the wake of the Financial Reporting Council questioning auditing and accountancy bodies about measures to prevent cheating using AI tools. Scott Knight, head of audit at BDO, said that face-to-face interviews provide candidates with a better opportunity to showcase their skills and get a sense of the company's culture.
Full Issue
Human Times
Middle East
Saudi Arabia has moved up two spots on the list of preferred countries for workforce mobility, according to the "Decoding Global Talent 2024" report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report highlights the success of Saudi Arabia's strategic initiatives in positioning itself as a global hub for professionals. Christopher Daniel, managing director and senior partner at BCG, stated that Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in narrowing the global talent shortage. He said the kingdom offers attractive job opportunities, income, tax benefits, and a secure environment, making it a compelling destination for professionals seeking growth and fulfillment in their careers. The report also notes that younger generations and individuals from rapidly expanding populations are particularly attracted to global mobility.
Full Issue
Read the latest HR highlights
How HR is Tackling Long Covid?
Fingers remain tightly crossed around the world that the rampant hospitalization and fatality stage of the Covid-19 pandemic has generally peaked. Vaccination programmes are accelerating, and restrictions are gradually being lifted...
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ESG Is Not Just Another Name For CSR
Back in the distant 1980s if you wanted to demonstrate your environmental and ethical credentials it was sufficient to shop at or purchase shares in retailer The Body Shop. The charismatic Anita Roddick, founder of the “hippy” tinged retail chain, heralded a new age of environmental concern, caring capitalism and corporate awareness that evolved into what became known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR was much talked about and lauded, but in reality often ended up being a lot of a hot air (excuse the pun) and often never progressed much beyond a footnote in the annual report.
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Have Older Workers Paid The Highest COVID-19 Price?
Across the world the pandemic is slowly but surely moving into its next phase. Recovery beckons. As furlough schemes across the U.S. and U.K. are being wound down, restrictions eased or lifted, and workforces moving back up the gears, early signs indicate that older employees are more likely to be casualties of the pandemic aftermath than their younger colleagues. Here at the we have witnessed an increasing number of stories supporting the growing belief that older workers are disproportionately paying the highest Covid-19 price.
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Bosses. What's not to like? Plenty, say employees
“You’ll never have another boss like me, someone who’s basically a chilled-out entertainer”
So said, David Brent, the fictional manager of Slough-based paper merchant Wernham Hogg in the seminal TV comedy The Office. Ricky Gervais’s portrayal of Brent as a flawed, narcissistic, incompetent, and deluded manager was so well observed that many (including me) believed it was a genuine fly-on-the-wall documentary when they alighted accidentally on the first ever episode.
Rolling with the Payroll
To mark National Payroll Week the team at the Human Times has provided some insight into the industry that we hope you’ll find useful.
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