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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
U.S. economy added 147K jobs in June

In June, U.S. employers added 147,000 jobs, showcasing the labor market's resilience amid uncertainties surrounding President Trump's economic policies. The Labor Department's monthly report also revealed that the unemployment rate decreased to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in May, with hiring surpassing economists' expectations. State government payrolls climbed by the most since the start of 2023, led by education, while employment at local governments also surged. Health care payrolls rose 59,000, the least in four months. Employment also moderated in leisure and hospitality, as a 20,000 increase in June followed a downward revision of similar size in May. Payrolls declined in manufacturing, wholesale trade and business services. Average hourly wages increased by 0.2% from May and 3.7% year-over-year, to $36.30. The Labor Department's weekly jobless report, meanwhile, revealed that initial claims for unemployment benefits fell 4,000 in the seven days to June 28th; the four-week moving average declined 3,750 to 241,500, while total claims, reported with a one-week lag, were unchanged at 1.964m. 

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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
Greece's employment bill sparks outrage

Greece's Ministry of Labour has proposed a contentious bill that significantly alters the employment landscape, leading to strong opposition from trade unions and political parties. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) condemned the legislation, calling it a “tombstone for the eight-hour workday,” and warned it could lead to 13-hour shifts under a single employer. Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the bill, asserting that the eight-hour day remains intact while allowing for extended overtime. The Ministry claims the changes will enhance workers' income and align with European norms, but critics argue it undermines collective bargaining and workers' rights. As protests loom, the outcome of this legislation could reshape Greece's workforce dynamics amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.

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Human Times
Middle East
UAE employers embrace pay-for-performance

Employers in the UAE are increasingly adopting a pay-for-performance model to attract and retain top talent amid a growing population, which has risen from 9.44m in 2020 to an estimated 11.34m in 2024. Andrew El Zein, Principal and Senior Manager of Compensation Consulting at Mercer, said: "This shift helps manage fixed costs while offering short- and long-term incentives to retain key and critical talent." The median salary increase in the UAE is projected to be 4% in 2024, with similar growth expected in 2025. Additionally, companies are personalising employee benefits to cater to diverse needs, with flexible work arrangements becoming essential due to traffic congestion. El Zein noted, "Flexibility in work hours is now recognised as a crucial tool in attracting and retaining local talent." Skills mobility is also on the rise, with employees moving across departments to enhance their careers.

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