Human Times

UK Edition

11th July 2025

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THE HOT STORY

GPs shift focus from sick notes

GPs will pilot a scheme replacing automatic sick notes with tailored support to help patients stay employed. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the current approach as a “bureaucratic dead end,” noting that 93% of the 11m fit notes issued last year declared patients unfit without offering alternatives. Under the £64m WorkWell scheme, 15 regions will fund in-practice teams, including employment advisers and social prescribers, to assist patients. “We simply can’t afford to keep writing people off,” said Streeting, highlighting the pilot's aim to reduce economic inactivity linked to health issues. The initiative will include physiotherapy, counselling, and even gym memberships to support physical and mental health. It also empowers non-GP staff, such as occupational therapists, to issue fit notes, aiming to reduce GP workload and guide more people back into employment with appropriate accommodations.

The Times

London Evening Standard

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WORKFORCE

Recruitment market faces further decline

The recruitment market in the UK is experiencing a significant downturn, with PageGroup reporting a 13.1% drop in gross profits for the second quarter, falling to £194.8m from £224.2m in the same period last year. Chief Executive Nicholas Kirk noted: "The conversion of accepted offers to placements remained the most significant area of challenge," highlighting the ongoing macro-economic uncertainty affecting confidence. The company has reduced its workforce from over 7,000 recruiters to 5,300 due to declining fees. While Europe, particularly France and Germany, has been the worst-performing region, there is some improvement in Asia and the US, especially in engineering and construction roles. The outlook for the next six months remains "uncertain" as PageGroup anticipates an annual operating profit of around £22m, significantly lower than the £52.4m achieved in 2024.

The Independent

Daily Express

The Times

Rising costs push record second jobs

One in six UK workers are struggling to pay bills, driving a record 1.23m people to take second jobs, up 10% from last year. A Work Foundation survey of 3,800 workers found 17% can't meet monthly expenses and 40% have no savings cushion. Despite recent real wage growth, fewer than half say earnings keep pace with inflation. The ONS reports that over 25% of adults can't afford an unexpected £850 expense. Youth insecurity is acute, with half of 16–24-year-olds fearing job loss. “The cost of living crisis has not alleviated,” the foundation warned, as unemployment hits 4.6%, a four-year high. Slowing payroll growth and rising taxes have compounded financial stress, increasing pressure on the Bank of England to implement rate cuts and stimulate economic stability.

The Times

AI threatens job prospects for graduates

As AI continues to disrupt the job market, university graduates are facing unprecedented challenges in securing employment. Reports indicate that vacancies for entry-level positions have plummeted by 32% since the launch of ChatGPT, while Indeed notes a 33% drop in graduate roles over the past year. Concerns are echoed by Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who warns that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level jobs in the next five years. Gary O'Sullivan from Sia emphasises the disconnect between graduates' education and employers' expectations, stating that only 36% of undergraduates receive support in developing essential AI skills. Despite these challenges, some experts believe that graduates can leverage their familiarity with AI tools to enhance their job prospects. “Companies that empower graduates to use AI responsibly and creatively won't just attract top talent,” says Demis Bril from Instant Offices.

London Evening Standard

Lancashire secures £38.8m for jobs

Lancashire is set to receive £38.8m from the government to enhance employment opportunities for individuals facing health challenges, disabilities, or complex needs. This funding is part of the £100m Connect to Work programme, aimed at supporting 11,000 participants across Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool. Minister for Employment Alison McGovern stated, "This latest funding will make a real difference in the lives of people across the country," highlighting the goal of achieving an 80% employment rate nationally. The initiative also includes improvements to job centres, allowing staff to provide better support through enhanced technology. McGovern emphasised the importance of collaboration with local businesses, such as BAE, to ensure job opportunities for those who may be overlooked.

BBC News

Doctors strike: a desperate plea

As resident doctors prepare for another strike, NHS staff and their families have passionately defended the action, labelling the ‘greedy’ narrative as “truly heartbreaking.” The community is divided over the demand for a 29% pay rise, with some arguing that the request is excessive. Many doctors are facing burnout, job insecurity, and rising training costs, leading to a call for better working conditions. One parent shared their son’s experience of working over 90 hours a week, highlighting the extreme pressures faced by medical professionals. The strikes are seen as a necessary step to improve morale and retain talent within the NHS, as the ongoing staff shortages and public disrespect continue to worsen the situation.

The Independent UK

CORPORATE

Government could take control of steel plant

The future of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) hangs in the balance as the Government considers taking control if the company enters administration following an insolvency hearing. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is contemplating options to save the plant, which employs 1,450 people. SSUK has incurred losses of £340m over four years and despite having the UK's largest electric arc furnace, the Rotherham plant has been inactive for a year due to financial constraints. Sanjeev Gupta, owner of the Liberty Steel Group, is seeking new investment and has been in talks with potential investors.

The Guardian

LEGAL

Experts question NDA plan

The government's recent amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, aimed at banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in harassment and discrimination cases, have sparked a heated debate among legal experts. While Laura Bolam from Rights of Women praised the ban as a "significant step towards transparency and accountability," others, like Karen Jackson from Didlaw, warn that it could deprive victims of essential protections. Ms Jackson expressed concern that the removal of NDAs might lead to unintended consequences, saying: "There is a high risk that the removal of NDAs will deprive victims of a method of resolving an issue."

Daily Mirror

REMUNERATION

Meta offers mega pay for AI talent

Bloomberg reports that Meta Platforms has made record-breaking compensation offers to attract AI experts to its “superintelligence” team, including a package exceeding $200m for ex-Apple engineer Ruoming Pang. These multi-year offers combine base salary, cash bonuses, and heavily performance-tied Meta stock. Apple reportedly did not counter due to internal pay norms. Meta’s AI recruitment push also includes former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang, now Meta’s Chief AI Officer via a $14.3bn equity deal. Offers rival CEO pay at major banks and are structured to reward long-term loyalty and Meta stock performance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said some employees received $100m signing bonuses but stayed due to OpenAI’s innovation culture. Nonetheless, Meta has hired over 10 OpenAI researchers along with talent from Anthropic and Google.

Bloomberg

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Micro-internships bridge experience gap

The challenge of securing work experience is hindering many young people from entering the workforce, with the Institute for Public Policy Research revealing that two in five 18 to 24-year-olds have never completed any work experience. Employment experts attribute this trend to increased regulations and the high costs associated with traditional internships. Micro-internships, which can range from one-day online experiences to short in-house programmes, provide flexibility for students to gain valuable experience while managing their studies. Lizzie Crowley, skills adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, explained: "Traditional internships remain out of reach for many young people, so micro-internships can offer a route in."

The Times

REMOTE WORKING

Revolutionising remote work: Outsite's rise

Outsite, a company celebrating its tenth anniversary, is redefining the concept of remote living for digital nomads. With 5,000 members, nearly half earning over $100,000 annually, it offers a unique blend of co-living and co-working spaces. Members enjoy a community atmosphere, with shared experiences and social events, while also maintaining a balance between work and leisure. The flexibility of booking stays without long-term commitments appeals to many, as they seek a more connected lifestyle.

City A.M.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Beat the heat: relax dress codes

Acas has urged employers to relax workplace attire rules amid the UK's current heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 31C. Research indicates that half of workers believe hot weather affects their job performance, with one in five struggling to focus in overheated offices. Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie said: “The sizzling weather may be ideal for the beach, but staff getting into work during one of the hottest weeks of the year may not feel the same way.” To maintain productivity and employee satisfaction, Acas recommends measures such as providing drinking water, allowing extra breaks, and relaxing formal dress codes.

The Independent UK

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Tesla board pressed on meeting delay

Tesla’s board faces a July 13 deadline to schedule its annual shareholder meeting or risk noncompliance with Texas law. Twenty-seven investors, including major public pension funds and advisory firms, urged the board to hold the meeting, citing concerns over leadership focus, company performance, and accountability. The 2024 meeting occurred on June 13, making this year’s overdue. Texas law mandates such meetings annually if shareholders request them. Tesla stock is down over 20% amid falling sales and distractions surrounding Elon Musk’s involvement outside the company. The board also delayed filing its proxy statement.

Wall Street Journal

WPP names new CEO

Advertising firm WPP has named Microsoft executive Cindy Rose as its new chief executive. She will replace Mark Read, who is stepping down after seven years as CEO, on September 1. Ms Rose, who is currently chief operating officer for global enterprise at Microsoft, has sat on WPP’s board as a non-executive director since 2019.

City AM

INTERNATIONAL

NASA braces for mass employee exodus

NASA is set to lose around 2,145 senior-ranking employees as part of a staff reduction initiative, according to a report by Politico. Most of those leaving hold GS-13 to GS-15 positions, and the agency is offering early retirement, buyouts, and deferred resignations. Bethany Stevens, a spokesperson for NASA, said: "NASA remains committed to our mission as we work within a more prioritized budget." The layoffs come amid proposed budget cuts that threaten numerous science programs, and the agency currently lacks a confirmed administrator following the withdrawal of Jared Isaacman from consideration.

U.S. News

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