THE HOT STORY

Saudi ministries launch Unified Employment Contract

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have launched the Unified Employment Contract in Riyadh. The contract aims to regulate employer-employee relationships under the Labour Law, ensuring legal documentation of rights and obligations. Dr Najm Al-Zaid and Dr Abdullah Abuthnain officiated the launch. The contract is part of a series of electronic contracts designed to enhance legal guarantees and reduce court disputes. It allows workers to claim rights directly through enforcement courts, promoting stability in the labour market and improving the Kingdom's investment environment.

Saudi Gazette

Zawya EN

HIRING

‘The glory days are over’: consultants in Saudi Arabia curb expansion plans

Foreign consultancies in Saudi Arabia are reining in a years-long boom in hiring, recruiters say, as the Kingdom reviews its priorities and slows parts of its economic transformation plan.

Financial Times

LEGAL

Oman tackles human trafficking in tourism

The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) has concluded its programme, "Mechanisms for Reducing Human Trafficking Crimes in Tourism Establishments," which is aimed at raising awareness of the issue among workers and employers. Organised with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, the initiative focuses on identifying trafficking indicators and prevention methods. Jasim bin Hamood al Maliki, GFOW General Manager, highlights the importance of protecting workers' rights and notes the rising issue of labour exploitation. He said: "The GFOW plays a central role in combating this crime through integration with the national effort." The programme aligns with Oman’s National Plan for Combating Human Trafficking.

Oman Observer

Bahrain task force to verify expat workers' credentials

A group of Bahraini legislators has proposed creating an inter-ministerial administrative committee to verify the academic and professional qualifications of foreign workers before they are employed in Bahrain. The legislators believe the initiative will "safeguard the integrity of Bahrain's labour market and maintain the quality of public and private services." This move aims to enhance the standards of the workforce and ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to work in the Kingdom.

Gdn Online

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Staff in Oman undergo Tajawob training programme

The Enhancing Skills in Dealing with Beneficiaries training programme launched in Muscat aims to improve the service delivery of over 230 employees from Omani government institutions linked to the Tajawob platform. The initiative seeks to enhance communication skills and reduce follow-up requests, ultimately boosting beneficiary confidence and satisfaction. The six-month training plan will extend across Oman, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, particularly with the National Bank of Oman. The Tajawob platform has processed over 86,000 transactions, enhancing efficiency in handling suggestions and complaints.

TimesofOman

Oman Observer

HEALTH & WELLBEING

UAE transforms wellness into growth strategy

The UAE is shifting its approach to employee wellness, making it a core business strategy rather than a mere perk. Aakanksha Tangri, founder and chief executive of Re:Set, notes that well-structured wellness programmes can lead to an 11% revenue increase per employee and a 12% rise in productivity. Jamil Kabbaj from Mercer Marsh Benefits highlights that 88% of UAE employers are increasing wellness budgets. As companies embed wellness into their strategies, they enhance retention and attract talent, proving that investing in employee wellbeing is essential for competitiveness and growth in the modern workplace.

Khaleej Times Online

INTERNATIONAL

Deloitte refunds Australian government over AI errors

Deloitte will issue the Australian government a partial refund after a report the firm issued contained several errors caused by the use of AI. The Big Four firm reportedly included multiple errors, including references and citations to non-existent reports. Deloitte issued an updated version of the report and said that AI-generated errors did not impact or affect the substantive content, findings, and recommendations in the original document. The Financial Times notes that the UK accountancy regulator warned this summer that Big Four firms were failing to keep track of how automated tools and AI affected the quality of their work.

Australian Financial Review

Financial Times

The Guardian

‘Singaporeans-first assurance' needed after population report

Singapore's population reached 6.11m in June, growing by 1.2% over the past year, driven by an influx of foreign workers. Analysts have highlighted the need for effective urban planning and frameworks to prevent discrimination against local people. Meanwhile, Mathew Mathews, head of the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, noted the importance of integrating newcomers into local culture. As such, the Ministry of Manpower is piloting a cultural orientation programme for work pass holders. Sociologist Tan Ern Ser observes that anxiety over immigration could lead to social tension, and urges the government to ensure public services meet the needs of the growing population.

South China Morning Post

Employee caused shooter hoax 'to bond with co-workers'

An active shooter hoax that prompted a lockdown at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey 's largest military base, was caused by a civilian employee who wanted to “trauma bond” with her colleagues, according to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. Malika Brittingham faces a federal charge in connection with a false active shooter report that prompted lockdowns at the base on Sept. 30. Brittingham eventually told investigators she "carried out this hoax because she had been ostracized from her co-workers and hoped that their experience in response to an active shooter would allow them to 'trauma bond,'" according to the complaint.

USA Today

U.S. News

China’s visa scheme for global tech workers draws backlash at home

China’s launch of a tech visa to attract technology workers has immediately sparked opposition at home as young Chinese voice concern over more competition in the deteriorating local labour market.

Financial Times

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe