Human Times

UK Edition

1st December 2025

THE HOT STORY

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

The 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.”

LEGAL

Questions raised over workers' rights U-turn

The government has been criticised for abandoning plans for day-one protection against unfair dismissal that were set to be included in the Employment Rights Bill. The proposal aimed to eliminate the 24-month qualifying period for claims, allowing workers to seek redress from their first day. Former Employment Minister Justin Madders voiced concern over the rethink, saying: "It might be a compromise. It might even be necessary to get the bill passed. But it most definitely is a manifesto breach." Labour MP Andy McDonald described the move as a "complete betrayal" and MP Neil Duncan-Jordan said the government had "capitulated." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the decision, saying that it was necessary to ensure other rights would be implemented in April 2026. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, that any deadlock over unfair dismissal plans could have "jeopardised" the Bill, which also contains new worker benefits, such as immediate rights to sick pay and paternity leave.

Salford Council faces scrutiny over spending

Salford council is under scrutiny for its use of purchase cards, which have reportedly allowed senior officials to spend public money without proper recording. Mayor Paul Dennett's office has spent over £14,000 in two years, yet his declared expenses remain at £0 for most years since 2016. Campaigners argue this practice avoids public scrutiny.

Manchester Evening News

WORKPLACE

Budget tax rises to hit business sales to workers, warn advisers

Business advisers warn that the government's decision to cut tax relief cut on employee ownership trusts may deter business sales, disrupt transitions, and negatively impact productivity and workplace culture.

Financial Times

WORKFORCE

Guinness Zero brewery workers vote to strike

Britain could face a shortage of Guinness Zero this Christmas as workers at Diageo's Belfast site plan eight days of strikes over pay, from December 5 to 13. Around 90 employees, represented by Unite, are seeking higher wages, citing disparities with staff at a Cheshire facility.

The Daily Telegraph

LEADERSHIP

OBR chief Richard Hughes faces the sack

Richard Hughes, the chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), could be dismissed following last week's leak of Budget details. The leak occurred just before Rachel Reeves's budget announcement. Questioned on Hughes' future on Sunday, the Chancellor refused to confirm that his position was safe. Concerns have also arisen regarding the OBR's influence on government spending forecasts. Hughes said he would resign if he lost confidence from the Chancellor or the Commons Treasury Committee.

Daily Mail

The Times

Activists put Southern Water boss under citizen’s arrest

Southern Water CEO Lawrence Gosden was detained by activists from the Citizen’s Arrest Network in London on Tuesday last week. 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 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

ECONOMY

UK economy faces slowdown in 2026

The UK economy is projected to slow by 1% in 2026, down from 1.4% in 2025, according to KPMG's latest economic outlook. Unemployment is expected to rise to 5.2%, influenced by increased employer costs from last year's Budget. Wage growth may decline by 3% by mid-2026, further limiting household spending. KPMG's chief economist, Yael Selfin, said: “The outlook for growth in 2026 is subdued, reflecting the impact of a cooling labour market and weak household spending.” Despite challenges, growth in the energy sector and digital infrastructure may provide some support.

City AM

The Times

TECHNOLOGY

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

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

Women still earning 10.5% less per hour than men in the Netherlands

The gender wage gap in the Netherlands has decreased to 10.5% this year, down from 12% last year. Equal Pay Day - the day on which women symbolically stop getting paid for their work for the rest of the year - was observed this year on November 24, ten days later than in 2022. Experts attribute the reduction primarily to a rise in the minimum wage rather than a decrease in discrimination. A new EU directive will require companies to disclose pay differences starting in 2027.

NL Times

DutchNews.nl

Singapore is top for talent

Singapore has secured the top position in the 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), surpassing Switzerland in second place. The index highlights Singapore's strength in generalist adaptive skills, supported by a workforce proficient in soft skills and digital literacy. The US fell from 3rd to 9th place. Professor Felipe Monteiro of INSEAD noted that Singapore's robust talent ecosystem fosters adaptability and growth. He observed: "No country, however strong, is immune to disruption in the race for talent." The GTCI assessed 135 economies across various indicators.

Business Times SG

Straits Times

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

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