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European Edition
2nd July 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Some UK workers' rights reforms pushed back

The UK government has set a new timeline for the Employment Rights Bill, pushing back several reforms by a year. Day-one protection against unfair dismissal, which was due to come into force next year, has been delayed until 2027, as has guaranteed flexible working and a ban on "exploitative" zero-hours contracts. Ministers say the roadmap will give businesses the "clarity and certainty they need to plan, invest and grow." Other measures set out in the Bill include removing the current limits on statutory sick pay, day-one paternity leave and unpaid parental leave rights. These are expected to come into force in early 2026. New whistleblowing protections are also due early next year, while October 2026 will see a ban on fire and rehire practices alongside rules to ensure that tips are allocated more fairly.
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WORKFORCE

French healthcare workers rally against pay freeze

On Tuesday, healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, nurses, and pharmacists, protested in Paris against a pay freeze and cost-cutting measures impacting their fees. The demonstration, part of a national strike initiated by 13 trade unions under the #SoignantsTrahis banner, is a response to the government's austerity plan delaying fee increases. “A responsible health policy cannot be based in the long-term on intentions that are not followed up with action,” the National Council of Physiotherapists said, also observing that “a growing number of physiotherapists [are] leaving the profession to work abroad, primarily in Switzerland and Quebec.” Additionally, pharmacy unions expressed concern over proposed cuts to commercial discounts on generic drugs, which could lead to significant income losses.

Finnish airport ground workers' labour dispute continues

The ongoing labour dispute between the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and the Service Sector Employers (Palta) remains unresolved after another unsuccessful negotiation session on Tuesday, according to the National Conciliator's office. The union's airport ground staff are set to strike today, leading to the likely cancellation of approximately 100 Finnair flights. The strike will impact ground services at Helsinki Airport, including baggage handling, and follows previous industrial actions that have already disrupted travel for tens of thousands of passengers. The IAU has issued a total of seven strike warnings this month, with dates including July 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23.
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CYBERSECURITY

‘Targeted, sophisticated’ cyber attack hits ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reported a “sophisticated and targeted” cyber attack, prompting immediate measures to limit damage. The ICC said: "A Court-wide impact analysis is being carried out and steps are already being taken to mitigate any effects of the incident." This attack follows a previous incident in 2023 and occurred during a week when The Hague hosted a NATO summit, raising concerns about security. The ICC currently has ongoing high-profile investigations, including those related to Russian war crimes in Ukraine, and has previously faced espionage attempts. The court has not confirmed whether any confidential information was compromised, and it continues to deal with the repercussions of the attack. WiFi services are still not fully restored.
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ECONOMY

Global economy faces 'pivotal moment', says Carstens

Agustín Carstens, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, has warned that the global economy is at a "pivotal moment" as it enters a "new era of heightened uncertainty and unpredictability." This, he said, is testing public trust in institutions such as central banks. Mr Carstens, the former governor of Mexico's central bank, said increasing protectionism and trade fragmentation is "particular concerning" as they were exacerbating a decline in economic and productivity growth. He also voiced concern over evidence that the world economy is becoming less resilient to shocks. Pointing to rising debt levels, Mr Carstens said: "This trend cannot continue."
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TECHNOLOGY

Wimbledon replaces line judges with AI

Wimbledon has officially replaced its line judges with an electronic line-calling (ELC) system, marking the end of a 148-year tradition. Players and fans alike are feeling the impact. Many fans have expressed concerns about the lack of excitement with AI and the loss of the audience engagement that the line judges provided. "It was part of the joy of going to Wimbledon - the tradition. I just used to love it when they all walked out in their uniforms," said company director Fiona Jones. "Technology is good but I think it's definitely lost something by not having them there," she said, adding that the back of the court now seemed "empty." While around 80 former line judges remain as match assistants, the shift to ELC has been deemed "very successful" by operations director Michelle Dite, who acknowledged the need to monitor audio feedback from players.
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INVESTMENT

Dutch investors turn away from US

Research by Rabobank's economic office, RaboResearch, reveals that Dutch investors are increasingly sceptical about investing in the United States. Two-thirds of Dutch investors are unwilling to increase their American investments, with a quarter having reduced them in the past six months. Concerns centre around President Donald Trump's policies, which are described with terms including “uncertainty” and “unpredictability.” Mary Pieterse-Bloem, head of investment strategy at Rabobank, observed: “A growing group of clients specifically ask for investment funds or baskets of stocks or bonds from all over the world, except the US.” In contrast, 40% of Dutch investors feel more positive about European investments, with many citing “stability” and “solidarity” as key reasons for this shift. Rabobank is also adjusting its own investment strategy, and is focusing more on Europe.
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TAX

Germany soccer federation fined for tax evasion

The German soccer federation (DFB) has been convicted of tax evasion linked to its 2006 World Cup bid, concluding a decade-long investigation. A Frankfurt court imposed a fine of €110,000 ($128,000) after prosecutors accused the DFB of failing to pay €2.7m ($3.1m) in taxes related to a €6.7m ($7.8m) payment to FIFA in 2005. The payment was associated with a loan accepted by the late German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer, who was then head of the World Cup organizing committee. Presiding judge Eva-Marie Distler said: “The court is certain without a doubt that the DFB evaded taxes.” The DFB has one week to appeal the ruling.
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INTERNATIONAL

Qantas pilots threaten industrial action

Qantas pilots are set to launch low-level industrial action after more than 90% voted in favour of protected action against what they describe as a "lowball" pay offer. More than 100 Express Freighters pilots, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), and Australian and International Pilots Association, are demanding pay increases to match industry standards and improvements to work-life balance. The unions have expressed disappointment over Qantas's refusal to enhance its offer after six months of negotiations. "Industrial action is always a last resort," said TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine, as he highlighted the poor conditions faced by workers. Qantas has said that it is negotiating in good faith and has contingency plans in place to ensure that freight operations remain unaffected.

Arrest and indictments in North Korean 'IT worker' scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI have announced an arrest and indictments related to North Korea's "IT worker" programme, which saw North Koreans secure remote IT jobs at over 100 US companies. The North Koreans allegedly stole around $900,000 in cryptocurrency from a Georgia-based firm and sensitive data from a California defence contractor. Zhenxing “Danny” Wang and Kejia Wang, both US citizens, were indicted as part of the operation, according to the DOJ. Zhenxing Wang was arrested in New Jersey, while Kejia Wang remains free. The two men, along with four other unnamed US “facilitators,” assisted the North Koreans by procuring and operating laptops used by the overseas workers, created financial accounts to receive money earned by the workers to be sent back to North Korea, and created shell companies to make the workers appear more authentic, Reuters reports.

Lithium miner cuts jobs in Chile

SQM, the world's second-largest lithium miner, has initiated layoffs affecting 5% of its workforce in Chile due to a significant decline in lithium prices, which have dropped nearly 90% since late 2022. The company, which missed profit expectations in the first quarter, said that the job cuts would not impact core operations or production guidance, although the union representing workers expressed regret over the decision and questioned the reasons behind it.
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OTHER

Helsinki hit by shoplifting surge

Shoplifting in Helsinki has surged by 60% over the past year, with over 7,400 cases reported in the first five months of 2025, up from 4,615 in the same period in 2024, according to the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce. Losses can amount to tens of thousands of euros annually for small shops. A recent legislative reform now allows jail time for individuals caught shoplifting six or more times, aiming to address the issue more effectively as previous fines often went unpaid.

 
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