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European Edition
17th June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Dutch thirty-somethings struggle to settle down
Data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI) reveals that thirty-year-olds in the Netherlands are increasingly less likely to be "settled" compared to a decade ago. Homeownership among this age group has plummeted from 62% in 2011 to just 51% in 2021, and the decline is particularly stark for those without stable employment, with homeownership among jobless thirty-year-olds dropping from 31% to 20%. CBS highlights that "the ability to live independently, start a family, and own property by age 30 is slipping further out of reach." The findings mark a sharp departure from the more settled lives many young adults led just ten years ago, NL Times notes.
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LEGAL
New UK measures designed to boost pay transparency
The UK government is considering new measures to enhance pay transparency among businesses and combat pay discrimination. Proposed changes include requiring employers to disclose salary brackets in job adverts and publish pay structures. Ministers are also contemplating increasing fines for companies that violate equal pay laws, which will now encompass race and disability discrimination. A government spokesperson said: "What our duty will do is require specified public bodies to consider how their choices might tackle socioeconomic inequality of outcome." The initiative aligns with the EU's pay transparency directive, promoting a proactive approach to pay equity. However, business groups have expressed concerns that these regulations may hinder their ability to attract talent.
WORKFORCE
FNV confirms 24-hour rail strike
Train services in Noord-Holland, Flevoland, Gelderland, and much of Overijssel will be suspended on Tuesday due to a 24-hour strike by railway workers in the Oost and Noordwest regions of the Netherlands. This marks the fourth strike since June 6, part of an escalating dispute with the FNV Rail Union over a new collective bargaining agreement. The union is calling for a 7% annual wage increase and improved employment rights, while NS has proposed a 3.25% raise effective March 2025.
TECHNOLOGY
Agentic AI will transform tech roles, McKinsey says
Stéphane Bout, France leader at McKinsey and senior partner at its data and analytics branch QuantumBlack, says agentic AI is set to transform tech roles as it can "plan, execute, test and debug code with minimal human intervention." He added that the autonomous software systems mean "we're moving from assistive tools to collaborative agents." Brout said agentic AI "opens the door to tenfold engineering productivity," while Devina Pasta, chief executive of software at Siemens, suggested that the technology "could reduce downtime proactively fixing code before issues arise."
RISK
Russia air attack damaged Boeing offices in Ukraine
A building used by Boeing in Kyiv was badly damaged in a recent large-scale Russian air attack, in what appeared to be a deliberate strike on the US aerospace company.
LEADERSHIP
JPMorgan’s European chief to run business from New York
Filippo Gori, head of JPMorgan's European operations, is relocating to New York after less than a year in London. A source Gori will spend "at least half of his time" in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region and would "continue to be highly visible among employees and clients in the region."
INTERNATIONAL
U.S. Justice department sanctions tech recruiter for discriminating in favour of H-1B visa workers
The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement with Epik Solutions, a California-based tech recruiting firm, for breaching the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by favouring foreign H-1B visa holders over US workers in its recruitment practices. This marks the first settlement since the relaunch of the "Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative," which seeks to combat illegal discrimination against American workers. As part of the settlement, Epik Solutions will pay $71,916 in civil penalties, undergo training, revise its employment policies, and cease job advertisements that unlawfully exclude US workers. Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, said: "Protecting American workers from unlawful discrimination in favour of foreign visa workers is a top priority." She emphasised that companies engaging in such discrimination are now on notice that "the days of the federal government looking the other way on American workforce protection are over."
ABB launches mentorship program for female employees
ABB Saudi Arabia has introduced its “2025 Women's Mentorship Program” in collaboration with the Saudi-Swedish Executive Women's Network. The initiative aims to empower Saudi female talents by fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The structured programme is designed to enhance the professional growth of female employees at ABB by connecting them with experienced mentors from both Saudi Arabia and Sweden. Through various mentoring activities, participants will receive leadership insights and career development support. Ali Al-Koud, country HR manager at ABB Saudi Arabia, said: “This mentorship program reflects ABB Saudi Arabia's belief in the power of collaboration and shared success.” The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, promoting increased female workforce participation, and reinforces ABB's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industrial sector.
Jetstar Asia workers blindsided by layoff notice
Jetstar Asia, the budget airline owned by the Qantas Group, will cease operations on July 31, resulting in the layoff of over 500 employees in Singapore. Employees were informed of their retrenchment only hours before the public announcement, leading to feelings of shock and frustration. Affected staff will receive four weeks' salary for each year of service, a performance-based bonus for the financial year 2025, and a “thank-you payment” of approximately S$1,200. The closure is attributed to rising supplier costs, airport fees, and increased competition. The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union is working with Jetstar to ensure fair treatment and compensation for affected workers. “The company has committed to providing a comprehensive retrenchment package,” the union said. Customers will be offered alternative flights or full refunds.
Japan faces census staffing challenges
Japan is facing a significant shortage of census pollsters due to factors including an aging workforce and increased privacy concerns among residents. The internal affairs ministry is promoting online participation as a more efficient alternative, aiming for 50% of responses to be submitted online for the upcoming census. Traditionally, the census has relied on in-person interactions, but challenges such as self-locking condominium doors and residents' reluctance to engage have complicated recruitment efforts. An official from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said: "Gaining [people's] understanding can take considerable time due to increased concerns about privacy." The ministry is also trialling mail distribution of questionnaires to ease the burden on pollsters.
 


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