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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 IssueHuman Times
UK
P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite accepted a six-figure bonus in 2023 just over a year after the company sacked hundreds of UK-based crew and replaced them with foreign agency workers, MPs heard on Tuesday. Hebblethwaite previously appeared in front of a joint transport and business committee in March 2022, at which time he said the lowest-paid agency worker would receive £5.15 an hour. However, an investigation by ITV News and the Guardian this March revealed some P&O seafarers were receiving an hourly rate as low as £4.87. The UK minimum wage is £11.44 an hour – but the rates do not apply to maritime workers employed by an overseas agency who work on foreign-registered ships in international waters. During his appearance in parliament, Hebblethwaite was asked by Liam Byrne MP: “Are you basically a modern-day pirate?...You seem to be robbing your staff blind.” Regarding his remuneration, Hebblethwaite said he earned a £325,000 basic salary and received an £183,000 bonus in April 2023. “I reflected on accepting that payment. But ultimately I did decide to accept it,” he said. “I do recognise it is not a decision that everybody would have made.”
Full IssueHuman 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 IssueHuman 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