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UK Edition
16th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Brits embrace AI at home but not at work
According to EY's global AI sentiment index, while 70% of UK adults have used AI in their personal lives recently, only 44% have adopted it in their professional roles, significantly below the global average of 67%. The study highlights a generational divide, with younger respondents showing more comfort with AI compared to older generations. Concerns about privacy, misinformation, and reliability are prevalent, with 71% worried about security breaches. The UK scored 54 out of 100 on the index, below the global average of 68. As the government promotes a 'pro-innovation' AI strategy, industry groups are calling for clearer guidelines to foster responsible AI integration while maintaining public trust. Catriona Campbell, EY UK&I client strategy leader, observed: "AI's potential excites people as much as it concerns them." 
LEGAL
Supreme Court to rule on legal definition of a woman
The UK Supreme Court is this morning set to deliver a pivotal ruling on the legal definition of a woman under the Equality Act which could significantly influence the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights. The case, brought by the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), challenges the Scottish government's guidance that recognises trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) as women. FWS argues that rights should be based on biological sex. Aidan O'Neill, representing FWS, said that the interpretation of 'woman' in the Equality Act should be understood in "ordinary, everyday language."
WORKFORCE
Wages rise as job vacancies plummet
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that UK wages have continued to grow, with average weekly pay increasing by 5.9% for the three months leading to February. The growth matches the previous quarter's figures, marking the highest level since April last year. Notably, wages have outpaced inflation by approximately 3%, driven by pay rises for the public sector. However, the job market has taken a hit, with vacancies falling to 781,000, the lowest since the pandemic, and below pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Despite the wage growth, the unemployment rate remains steady at 4.4%. Experts suggest that while the recent rise in the national minimum wage may keep earnings elevated in the short term, economic uncertainties could lead to easing wage pressures.
Teachers move closer to strike action
The National Education Union (NEU) has voted to prepare for a formal strike ballot if the government’s final pay offer for 2025/26 is deemed unacceptable. This follows an indicative ballot in which nearly 94% of NEU members rejected the proposed 2.8% pay rise, and over 83% expressed willingness to take industrial action - although turnout fell just below the legal threshold. Delegates at the NEU's annual conference in Harrogate criticised the offer as "inadequate and unfunded," warning it would worsen recruitment and retention challenges in schools. The government has yet to publish the findings of the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) or confirm whether it will accept its recommendations. NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede urged ministers to abandon austerity and commit to real-terms funding and pay restoration, warning that continued underinvestment in education harms not only teachers but students and families.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
SEND students land jobs with hands-on training
Derwen College in Shropshire is championing practical, hands-on work experience as a vital route into employment for students with additional educational needs. The specialist college offers real-world training through its on-site restaurant, garden centre, and hotel, allowing students to build confidence and develop vocational and social skills in a safe environment. With fewer than 5% of people with a learning disability in paid employment, according to the Department for Work and Pensions, staff say the model offers a hopeful alternative. The college's Hotel 751, run in partnership with Premier Inn, offers training in housekeeping and other skills aligned with industry standards.
SUSTAINABILITY
Grant Thornton's travel goes green
Grant Thornton is urging its employees to opt for trains instead of planes for international travel as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions. The firm has introduced a new travel booking system designed to "encourage environmentally conscious travel choices," and aims to reduce emissions by up to 90% by 2045. The initiative will make staff aware of the environmental impact associated with various transport options when planning business trips.
INTERNATIONAL
French healthcare workers sue ministers over work-related suicides
French healthcare workers and the families of colleagues who died by suicide have filed a legal complaint against Health Minister Catherine Vautrin and Higher Education Minister Elisabeth Borne, citing "deadly working conditions" in public hospitals. The complaint, lodged with the Republic's Court of Justice, accuses the ministers of allowing "totally illegal and deadly working conditions" that have led to workplace harassment and involuntary manslaughter. It describes a system of “coercion to illegally organise work overtime”, “threats” and “forced labour outside any regulatory framework”, as well as “totalitarian” management practices. Lawyer Christelle Mazza said: "Any boss implementing such mass and repeated restructuring policies . . . would have been sentenced and the company shut down."
UAE workplaces push for miscarriage leave
Businesses and HR leaders across the UAE are expressing their interest in adopting a miscarriage leave policy to support grieving parents, Khaleej Times reports. Armin Jamula, Co-Founder of ItsHerWay, said: “Leave of Absence sheds light on a topic often left unspoken in our region. When parents are expected to return to work the day after a miscarriage, it reveals a painful blind spot in corporate empathy. Our pledge is a call to action, to normalise such an important dialogue and encourage actionable change that offers both women and men the space to process their grief after loss.” Myra Bennett, Principal Consultant, Genie Recruitment, said: “From what I've seen through my work with clients, some businesses do offer compassionate leave for pregnancy loss. It may not be as long as maternity leave, but the gesture itself makes a huge difference. Giving parents time and space to process something so life altering shows genuine care. It also sends a message that employees are valued as people, not just as a number.”
Japanese firms get chance to shine on diversity
Japanese companies are making significant strides in gender equality, outpacing their global counterparts in appointing female directors. With US firms facing scrutiny over their diversity policies, Japanese firms are attracting attention from investors including Boston Common Asset Management, which has increased its holdings in Japanese companies to 21% of its international fund. An MSCI report indicates that the number of female directors in Japan rose by 2.5% in 2024, although the country still lags other developed nations. The Japanese government aims for 30% female representation on boards by 2030, compared to a global average of 27.3%. As the local labour force shrinks, enhancing diversity is becoming a business necessity, making Japanese firms increasingly appealing to global investors. Rie Nishihara, chief Japan equity strategist at JPMorgan Securities, observes: "Diversity is a factor that drives long-term stock performance, permanently." 
Sheinbaum to tackle Mexico's mining strikes
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced efforts to address ongoing strikes at three mines, including the large Buenavista del Cobre copper mine in Cananea, Sonora. During a morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasised the need to improve miners' working conditions and also to protect the environment. The Buenavista del Cobre mine, operated by Grupo Mexico, has been closed for an extended period. The identities of the other two mines affected by the strikes were not disclosed.
OTHER
Checklist for school readiness unveiled
According to a new government-backed initiative, children should be able to use cutlery and express their feelings before starting school. The Starting Reception website aims to clarify what skills children need to be considered "school-ready." Surveys reveal a significant disconnect between parents and teachers regarding school readiness; while 90% of parents believe their children are ready, only one in three teachers agrees. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called the website a "vital tool for parents." The initiative hopes to raise the percentage of school-ready children from 68% to 75% by 2028.
 


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