Human Times

UK Edition

3rd September 2025

THE HOT STORY

SMEs concerned over workers' rights reform and NI hike

The Employment Rights Bill could significantly impact small businesses, according to HR consultants. The Bill aims to enhance workers' rights, including extending unfair dismissal rights and tightening zero-hours contract regulations. Government analysis estimates the measures could add £5bn to employer costs, with additional amendments potentially increasing expenses by £80m annually. Phil Coxon, CEO of Breathe HR, said: "British businesses face a perfect storm," highlighting that the Bill "brings administrative, legal, and financial changes which will be challenging to implement." The British Retail Consortium has warned that over half of retailers may cut staff in response to the Bill. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves faces mounting criticism as small business job vacancies fell 18% following her national insurance hike. The Federation of Small Business claims members “don’t feel the government has their backs,” while Lib Dems urge scrapping the “jobs tax.” ONS data shows 46,000 fewer vacancies at small firms since the 2024 Autumn Budget, part of a £25bn revenue plan for public spending. Critics argue the tax contradicts Reeves' growth goals.

City AM

The Independent

Daily Express

WORKFORCE

Cuts to disability scheme derail lives

The Government's cuts to the Access to Work scheme are severely impacting disabled individuals, forcing many out of employment. Shani Dhanda, co-founder of the Access to Work Collective, stated: "Lives are being derailed." Campaigners report that reductions in support packages have led to financial struggles, including rejected mortgage applications. The cuts began in early 2024 and have intensified since Labour took power. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions claimed the scheme was "failing both employees and employers." Many disabled people are now applying for universal credit due to these changes.

The I

Government backs steel jobs amid crisis

Industry minister Sarah Jones expressed confidence in the future of steelworks in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Following the insolvency of Speciality Steel UK, the government is committed to exploring all options to sustain steel-making in the region. Jones stated: "We stand with the affected steel workers... and there will be no immediate changes to jobs." The government took control of Speciality Steel UK to protect nearly 1,500 jobs. However, the company faces legal scrutiny for failing to file accounts and potential fraud.

The Independent UK

Birmingham bin workers vote to extend strike

The Unite trade union has said that Birmingham City Council refuse workers have voted "overwhelmingly" to extend their ongoing industrial action through to March 2026, with general secretary Sharon Graham saying the "ball is in the Government's court", given that, she said, Government-appointed commissioners had blocked a deal that could have ended the strike. Council workers, she said, "are being lined up to pay the price for years of austerity". Elsewhere, the Mail reports that weekly household waste collections have returned in the city as agency staff carry out collections and clear rubbish from the streets.

Construction crisis demands urgent action

The construction industry faces a severe crisis, with a significant workforce shortage and rising mental health issues. Louis Timpany, CEO of Fix Radio, emphasises the need for government action as the sector requires an additional 225,000 workers by 2027. Apprenticeship completions have dropped sharply, and many tradespeople are leaving the industry. The recent Fix Fest highlighted the mental health challenges, with construction workers being nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than others. Timpany stated: "Tradies are the backbone of Great Britain."

City A.M.

Lufthansa pilots brace for strike action

Lufthansa pilots are preparing for a potential strike due to stalled negotiations over pension plans. The Vereinigung Cockpit union declared talks on occupational pensions unsuccessful and has requested a strike vote from its members. Approximately 4,800 employees are affected, with the union stating that Lufthansa has not made a substantial offer. In 2017, pilots agreed to a deal that shifted pension risks to employees. Additionally, a broader conflict exists within the Lufthansa Group regarding competitive wage conditions among its various airlines.

Handelsblatt

HIRING

Talent concern for accountancy firms

A shortage of staff could be a "serious" barrier to growth at small to mid-tier accountancy firms, according to analysis from outsourcing specialists Advancetrack. The study shows that 94% of firms say recruitment issues are holding back growth. It was also shown that 74% said the recruitment crisis is preventing them from taking on more clients. More than two-thirds of those firms said they are outsourcing work overseas, with a further 33% offshoring. Almost half of the firms polled said they are facing rising salary pressures. Advancetrack surveyed nearly 170 firms, with these predominantly from the UK and Australia.

City AM

HEALTH & SAFETY

TfL faces pressure over lone working

The London Assembly Transport Committee has called for Transport for London (TfL) to review its staffing practices at Tube stations due to rising concerns over fare evasion. Evidence from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) indicates that staff working alone feel unsafe confronting fare dodgers. Elly Baker, chair of the committee, stated: “Fare evasion is unacceptable – causing TfL financial losses.” RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey highlighted that 60% of staff assaulted were working alone. TfL reported a fare evasion rate of 3.5%, costing £130m annually, and is enhancing its strategies to combat this issue.

London Evening Standard

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

City Fibre founder steps down

Greg Mesch, founder of broadband infrastructure provider City Fibre, is stepping down as CEO following a £2.3bn funding deal. He will transition to vice-chairman, reducing his involvement to two days a month. Simon Holden, previously COO, will take over immediately. City Fibre, which serves 4.5m households, remains lossmaking and faces "material uncertainty" regarding its operations without external cash, according to its latest audited accounts for 2023.

Financial Times

The Times

Co-op growth director departs

Jerome Saint-Marc, the managing director of growth at Co-op, has resigned after less than two years. His departure comes amid declining sales and market share challenges for the 181-year-old mutual. Co-op said that he "decided that it is the right time to pursue further opportunities outside" the company. Wais Shaifta, a non-executive director, will take over as the new chief growth officer.

The Daily Telegraph

The Times

Hamburger moves on from McDonald's

Zoe Hamburger has resigned from her position as chief restaurant officer at McDonald's UK. She joined the company in March 2022, overseeing operations, delivery, and franchising. Hamburger previously worked in advertising and PR before joining McDonald's in the US over a decade ago.

City A.M.

The Times

LEGAL

Specsavers director suspended for expenses fraud

Mark Edgar, a director at Specsavers, has been suspended for one year after misusing £80,000 in company funds for personal expenses. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service found Edgar guilty of misconduct, revealing he disguised personal payments as business expenses from 2008 to 2021. His claims included hotels, meals, and even secret Santa gifts. Edgar argued that his partners were aware of his actions, stating: "There was no harm in trying."

The Daily Telegraph

The Times

PRODUCTIVITY

Digital silence: A productivity game changer?

The debate over "digital silence" in the workplace highlights contrasting views on productivity. Peter Bell, vice president of marketing at Twilio, argues that allowing employees to disconnect can enhance focus and performance. Research shows 36% of UK workers favour scheduled downtime, with 44% more likely to join companies offering it. Conversely, Callum Price, director of communications at the Institute of Economic Affairs, warns against formal mandates, citing potential costs and compliance issues for employers. He suggests that most employees can manage their own downtime without government intervention.

City A.M.

CYBERSECURITY

Cyberattack halts Jaguar Land Rover operations

Jaguar Land Rover has suffered a major cyberattack, severely disrupting global production and sales. Staff at its Halewood plant were told not to report to work, and systems were shut down to contain damage. “We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner,” the company said. No customer data theft has been confirmed. The incident follows a sharp profit drop due to US tariffs and falling luxury car sales. CEO Adrian Mardell is set to depart in December, amid workforce cuts and criticism of recent branding campaigns.

The Times

TECHNOLOGY

AI agents revolutionise cybersecurity operations

Perry Carpenter, Chief Human Risk Management Strategist at KnowBe4, discusses the transformative role of AI agents in cybersecurity. These agents function like a virtual security team, monitoring networks and responding to threats with unprecedented speed. However, they raise concerns about autonomy and control. Carpenter emphasises the need for a balance between agent autonomy and human oversight to prevent errors. He states: "If AI systems are developed through the integration of transparency, monitoring and ethical safeguards, they can accelerate innovation." The future of cybersecurity relies on this collaboration between AI and human professionals.

Forbes

Employees embrace AI, companies scramble

Employees are increasingly adopting AI tools independently, creating challenges for companies. According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index, 75% of employees use AI at work, with 80% of users in small and medium-sized firms bringing their own tools. This trend, known as Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI), raises significant risks, including data privacy issues. Nearly 60% of employees reported making mistakes due to AI errors. Allison Spagnolo, chief privacy officer at Guidepost Solution, stated: "When employees use external AI services without the knowledge of their employers... we tend to think about risks like data loss." Companies must adapt by empowering employees with clear guidelines and training.

Fast Company

INVESTMENT

Envestors proposes angel investor visa

Home Office contractor Envestors has put forward plans for an investor visa to be re-introduced, saying that it could help the growth of research-led technology companies. Envestors, an investment service that assesses entrepreneurs applying to enter the UK via the innovator founder visa, has suggested that business angels - high-net-worth individuals that invest in high-growth companies - could be offered a special visa that would allow private SMEs to receive cash in return for equity. The report suggests that foreign nationals investing at least £2m in three UK companies would be able to secure indefinite leave to remain after three years, if 15 full-time workers are employed and £1m in annual revenue is generated. Analysis by the British Business Bank shows that angel investors are the largest source of investment in start-ups and early-stage businesses.

City AM

INTERNATIONAL

Colgate settles pension lawsuit for $332m

Colgate-Palmolive has agreed to a $332m settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit involving pension miscalculations affecting 1,177 employees. Filed in Manhattan federal court, the preliminary settlement allocates approximately $232.7m to employees after legal costs. The dispute stems from Colgate’s 1989 shift to a cash balance pension plan and a 2005 amendment that plaintiffs claimed still underpaid annuity benefits. Litigation began in 2007, with this case filed in 2016. Though denying wrongdoing, Colgate stated it settled to “avoid the risk and expense of more litigation.” Funds were reserved in 2023 and 2025.

Reuters

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