Human Times

European Edition

1st December 2025

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THE HOT STORY

Ministers consider curbing the use of non-compete clauses in UK contracts

The UK's Department for Business and Trade has outlined proposals that could ban non-compete clauses outright, or introduce a minimum salary threshold or limits on the length of time for which they can apply. In a working paper, published alongside last week’s budget, the government said such clauses "play a part in restricting employee movement, limiting knowledge spillovers and can undermine incentives for innovation." Sinead Casey, partner and head of UK employment at Linklaters, observed: “If changes are to be implemented following the consultation, then a key challenge for the government will be how such change is enforced, bearing in mind the undoubted chilling effect on litigation of non-compete clauses posed by the potential legal cost and risk for individual employees.”

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WORKFORCE

Amazon to begin Luxembourg redundancy talks with staff

Amazon Luxembourg is to begin formal consultations on planned job cuts today, following discussions with governmental authorities. A company spokesperson said: "These discussions reinforce our commitment to constructive dialogue that prioritises our employees." The company aims to reduce its global workforce by 14,000, with speculation suggesting up to 470 positions in Luxembourg may be affected. As of July, Amazon employed 4,370 people in the Grand Duchy. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden has met with Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy, who assured that Luxembourg remains a strategic partner in Europe.

Luxembourg Times

Pilots weigh joining Portugal's general strike

The Civil Aviation Pilots' Union (SPAC) has scheduled an extraordinary general assembly for December 5 to discuss possibly joining Portugal's general strike on December 11. SPAC has expressed its "deep concern" over government proposals that it says threaten labour rights, including the automatic expiration of Company Agreements and reduced union bargaining power. SPAC president Hélder Santinhos said: "This is not a partisan or corporatist issue, but rather a defence of fundamental workers' rights." The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) has already approved participation in the strike, with 2,305 out of 2,802 voting in favour.

The Portugal News Online

TAX

Swiss voters reject new tax on super-rich

Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to impose a 50% levy on inherited fortunes exceeding 50 million Swiss francs. The initiative, which was backed by the youth wing of the Social Democrats, sought to fund climate change projects. "The super rich inherit billions, we inherit crises," they argued. Critics had warned the tax could drive wealthy individuals out of Switzerland, diminishing tax revenues.

EU court denies official's tax break appeal

The European Union's top court has dismissed an appeal from Michael Heßler, a European Commission official, who sought a tax break for his daughter despite her being over 26. He argued that she was still a student when he filed for the rebate, which he wanted retroactively from 2021. However, the court ruled that Commission staff can only receive the child tax break if they qualify for the child allowance, which ceases once the child turns 26 or is no longer in full-time education. The ruling comes as the Commission reviews its 32,000 staff's working conditions, amid calls for shorter hours and improved work-life balance.

EurActiv.com

REGULATION

Stellantis chairman warns European car industry risks 'irreversible decline'

Stellantis chairman John Elkann has said Europe's car industry risks "irreversible decline" if the European Union does not modify its stance on cuts in carbon emissions to grant automakers more flexibility. The European Commission will present proposals for its scheduled review of EU carbon emissions regulation for the sector on December 10.

Reuters

LEGAL

Activists put boss under citizen’s arrest

Southern Water CEO Lawrence Gosden was detained by activists from the Citizen’s Arrest Network in London on Tuesday. They accused him of causing "environmental disasters", and presented police with what they said was evidence of alleged public nuisance crimes. Southern Water, along with Thames Water and Yorkshire Water, were responsible for 80% of the UK's serious pollution incidents in 2024. Citizen’s Arrest Network, an environmental group that claims to “[hold] those making the decisions that cause the worst environmental pollution to account,” has previously attempted similar arrests of other water company executives.

The Times

RISK

Bird flu virus 'could risk pandemic worse than COVID'

The bird flu virus that has been spreading among wild birds, poultry and mammals could lead to a pandemic worse than Covid-19 if it mutates to transmit between humans, the head of France's Institut Pasteur respiratory infections centre has said. "What we fear is the virus adapting to mammals, and particularly to humans, becoming capable of human-to-human transmission, and that virus would be a pandemic virus," Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti told Reuters.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Saudi Arabia proposes workplace dress code

Saudi Arabia is introducing a new "Code of Appearance and Conduct" that mandates specific attire for employees across all sectors. Saudi men must wear the national dress, while non-Saudi men are required to don formal suits. Women, both Saudi and non-Saudi, must dress modestly, avoiding tight or transparent clothing. Employers are to be responsible for enforcing these rules and will face penalties for non-compliance. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) said it aims to promote a unified professional image and uphold public morals in the workplace. The draft is currently open for public consultation.

The Times of India

Accenture dubs its 800,000 staff 'reinventors' as it adapts to AI

Accenture has started calling its nearly 800,000 employees “reinventors”, as the New York-listed consultancy overhauls itself to adapt to the explosion of artificial intelligence and advises companies adopting the technology.

Financial Times

OTHER

T’ai chi can help to combat insomnia, experts say

People with chronic insomnia could benefit from practicing the ancient art of tai chi as an alternative to talking therapies, according to a study in the British Medical Journal. The researchers said their study “supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults.”

The Times

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