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Human Times
North America
Thousands of probationary employees fired

Thousands of probationary employees are being fired as the Trump administration directs federal agencies to carry out widespread layoffs. CNN reports that officials are targeting probationary workers because they have fewer job protections and lack the right to appeal. More than 200,000 employees have worked within the federal government for less than a year, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). “The probationary period is a continuation of the job application process, not an entitlement for permanent employment,” an OPM spokesperson said. “Agencies are taking independent action in light of the recent hiring freeze and in support of the President’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government to better serve the American people at the highest possible standard.”

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Human Times
UK
JP Morgan struggles to house its 14,000 London staff

The Daily Telegraph reports that JP Morgan is running out of desk space at its Canary Wharf headquarters in East London as the investment bank pushes its 22,000 UK employees to return to the office five days a week. The lender currently lacks the space there to accommodate all staff, despite a company-wide order to end home working, the Telegraph understands. London staff have been advised that they do not have to return to the office until additional desk space is ready. Meanwhile, in the US, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has this week rejected employee calls to soften the bank's five-day return-to-office policy. Some workers have voiced their concerns on internal platforms, and around 950 have signed a petition against the policy. In a town hall meeting on Wednesday, Dimon said: "Don't waste time on it. I don't care how many people sign that . . . petition," as he underscored his commitment to in-person work despite employee dissatisfaction. In-office mandates will not be left up to managers, Dimon said. "There is no chance that I will leave it up to managers . . . Zero chance. The abuse that took place is extraordinary." He emphasised the need for increased efficiency, demanding a 10% improvement across departments, and criticised the excessive bureaucracy within the bank. Dimon said some employees did not pay attention during Zoom meetings, which reduced their efficiency and creativity.

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Human Times
Europe
JP Morgan struggles to house its 14,000 London staff

The Daily Telegraph reports that JP Morgan is running out of desk space at its Canary Wharf headquarters in East London as the investment bank pushes its 22,000 UK employees to return to the office five days a week. The lender currently lacks the space there to accommodate all staff, despite a company-wide order to end home working, the Telegraph understands. London staff have been advised that they do not have to return to the office until additional desk space is ready. Meanwhile, in the US, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has this week rejected employee calls to soften the bank's five-day return-to-office policy. Some workers have voiced their concerns on internal platforms, and around 950 have signed a petition against the policy. In a town hall meeting on Wednesday, Dimon said: "Don't waste time on it. I don't care how many people sign that . . . petition," as he underscored his commitment to in-person work despite employee dissatisfaction. In-office mandates will not be left up to managers, Dimon said. "There is no chance that I will leave it up to managers . . . Zero chance. The abuse that took place is extraordinary." He emphasised the need for increased efficiency, demanding a 10% improvement across departments, and criticised the excessive bureaucracy within the bank. Dimon said some employees did not pay attention during Zoom meetings, which reduced their efficiency and creativity.

Full Issue
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Human Times
Middle East
Nearly 600 firms are set to open their headquarters in Saudi Arabia

Nearly 600 firms are set to open their headquarters in Saudi Arabia, while the number of registered investment licences has increased from 4,000 in 2018-19 to 40,000 in 2024. Total investments have doubled to SAR1.2tn ($320bn), accounting for 30% of the Saudi economy, according to Minister of Investment Engineer Khalid Al Falih, who highlighted the private sector's role in driving national economic growth since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. During a panel discussion at the third edition of the two-day PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh, the minister said the figures underscore the Kingdom's position as a strong global investment destination with an attractive economic environment and diverse investment opportunities across a variety of sectors.

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