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Recent Editions

Human Times
North America
The Supreme Court has made it easier for people from majority backgrounds to pursue claims alleging workplace "reverse" discrimination, reviving an Ohio woman's lawsuit claiming she was illegally denied a promotion and demoted because she is heterosexual. Marlean Ames said that despite working for the Ohio Department of Youth Services for more than 20 years, she was denied a promotion and then demoted. The decision effectively lowers the burden of proof required for people who are members of a majority group - such as white or heterosexual people - to make discrimination claims. U.S. court precedent covering some states, including Ohio, had required that members of majority groups show additional "background circumstances" to prove their case or evidence showing a pattern of discrimination. The court has now ruled that the standard of evidence for a discrimination claim should be the same, regardless of a person's identity.
Full Issue
Human Times
UK
Research by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has found that 72% of UK business leaders believe the government's workers' rights overhaul will hinder economic growth and lead to fewer hires. The poll indicates that over half of respondents foresee a "strong negative impact" on the economy. Concerns centre on changes to statutory sick pay and new rights for employees from day one, which could result in increased costs and legal challenges for businesses. Alex Hall-Chen, the IoD's principal policy advisor for employment, said that the bill is "significantly damaging business hiring intentions and confidence in the UK economy." The survey also found that nearly half of firms plan to reduce hiring, with a third considering outsourcing jobs abroad. Over half of directors indicated they would invest more in automation to enhance productivity.
Full Issue
Human Times
Europe
Big Dutch banks are implementing new guidelines to increase office attendance after years of promoting remote work. ING has proposed that staff work in the office at least two days a week, with one of those days on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. ABN Amro has also mandated a similar requirement. Employees are concerned about overcrowding and potential violations of collective labour agreements. A spokesman for ING said: “The physical presence of staff improves collaboration, strengthens connection with the company, stimulates creativity and helps new employees to settle in.” Meanwhile, Rabobank is experimenting with incentives to encourage more balanced attendance without enforcing strict mandates.
Full Issue
Human Times
Middle East
The International Trade Union Confederation and its African counterpart have lodged a formal complaint with the International Labour Organization, calling for an investigation into Saudi Arabia's labour practices. Concerns have been raised regarding the treatment of migrant construction and domestic workers, particularly as the 2034 World Cup approaches. Reports indicate that workers are subjected to extreme conditions, including working up to 20 hours a day, wage denial, and physical abuse. Human rights organisations have condemned FIFA's decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the absence of a minimum wage for migrant workers and the oppressive kafala system, which ties workers to specific employers throughout their stay.
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