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UK Edition
26th July 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Two-thirds of British jobs could be enhanced with AI, Google says
Almost two-thirds of British jobs could be "enhanced" with AI, according to research commissioned by Google. The study found that 61% of jobs in the UK will be "radically" transformed by AI, while 31% will be "insulated" from the technology. The report also said that only a small number of jobs are likely to be fully phased out by AI, with the financial and insurance sector forecast to lose just 4% of jobs. Google is partnering with various organisations to introduce AI technology into workplaces in a way that boosts workers' abilities. The government supports this trial, which aims to deliver AI skills training to help careers flourish and businesses grow. “Fewer than 50% of people are actually taking advantage of these tools in their working life on a day to day basis,” said Debbie Weinstein, managing director of Google UK. “The uptake of these tools is very low, and I think the only way we’re going to unlock the potential of what AI can do is actually by getting people to use them, and to feel confident and capable about them.” Public First estimates that the UK economy could gain over £400bn if AI is adopted to its fullest extent over the next six years.
LEGAL
Migrant cleaners at Harrods prepare to strike over 'discriminatory' holiday policy
Dozens of migrant cleaners at UK luxury retailer Harrods are preparing to strike over what they say is a new "discriminatory" holiday policy that affects Black and Asian workers. The policy limits workers' holidays to a maximum of two weeks, which restricts their ability to visit their families overseas. The workers claim that Harrods has turned down holiday requests longer than two weeks, accusing the company of undermining the welfare of its migrant workforce. The United Voices of the World (UVW) union, representing the cleaners, considers the policy to be race discrimination. The cleaners have instructed UVW to send Harrods a Notice of Intention to Ballot (NOIB), and strike dates will be announced soon.  Harrods acknowledged the dispute and told The Independent that it does not plan to engage with the union as it is not recognised by the company. A spokesperson said: “There has been no introduction of a new policy in relation to holidays at Harrods. Harrods clarified existing company policy, which limits holiday length during peak periods, as defined by the specific divisional needs of the business. This is to ensure that holiday is taken fairly and consistently across the team, as well as ensuring the business can continue to operate during its busiest periods.”
Pregnant worker awarded payout after Christmas party snub
A mother who was not invited to an office Christmas party after informing her bosses about her pregnancy has been awarded £19,608 in compensation by an employment tribunal. Lorraine Powell, who worked for One Transport UK, claimed that she was deliberately excluded from the festive celebrations and treated differently once her pregnancy was announced. The tribunal judge found that Powell was subjected to pregnancy discrimination and bullying by her managers. Powell resigned from the company after being ordered to attend a disciplinary hearing on false charges. The tribunal concluded that Powell was demoted because her bosses knew she was pregnant. The company did not attend the tribunal and no sworn evidence was heard from Powell's former managers. The judge also noted that Powell was the only employee required to work in the office every day, while others were allowed to work from home. The treatment of Powell by her managers was deemed to amount to  bullying behaviour.
Scheme for EU citizens post-Brexit faces legal challenges
The UK government scheme allowing EU citizens to remain post-Brexit is facing legal challenges due to conflicting court rulings. In one case, a Slovenian software engineer lost his right to emergency housing, while in another case, a Spanish mother was granted the opposite ruling. A French citizen with deteriorating health seeking housing assistance also had her case dismissed. Legal experts warn that these inconsistencies could have severe consequences for vulnerable EU citizens, similar to the Windrush scandal. The rulings have caused confusion and could lead to further inconsistencies in benefit rules. Experts are calling on the Home Office to officially recognise the scope of the EU Settlement Scheme to prevent a potential "Windrush II" situation. The government has hinted at a possible review of the scheme.
Former RAF solicitor awaits remedy hearing after employment tribunal ruling
A solicitor formerly with the Royal Air Force is awaiting a remedy hearing next month after a damning employment tribunal ruling involving senior colleagues. The Watford Employment Tribunal found that Allan Steele was victimised when he was dismissed by the RAF after 17 years' service. The Ministry of Defence has lodged an appeal against the ruling. Steele was found to have been mistreated following complaints about discrimination based on his male, Scottish, and Christian protected characteristics. The tribunal found that senior legal officers behaved in a "grossly unfair" manner and "ambushed" Steele at a return-to-work meeting. Steele's career was sabotaged by a hostile report from Air Vice-Marshal Tamara Jennings and a damning report from Wing Commander Justin Shearing. The tribunal concluded that Steele's complaints were not properly addressed and were instead used against him. The remedy hearing is scheduled for next month.
WORKFORCE
Asda workers announce strike action
Asda workers, supported by the GMB union, have announced another strike action in their ongoing battle against cost-cutting measures. The strike, set to take place on August 2nd, will be the second this year at Asda's Wisbech superstore. The workers claim that private equity firm TDR Capital, which recently acquired a stake in Asda, has cut millions of hours from the shop floor, leading to overworked and underpaid staff. Asda has faced other challenges, including a drop in market share and a shakeup of its executive team. The company has offered to meet with union representatives to discuss the matter further.
Pensions Dashboards Week scheduled for September
A series of virtual events will be held during Pensions Dashboards Week in September to assist firms in their connection and readiness for next year's deadlines. The initiative aims to support firms in progressing their connection to dashboards and ensuring they are prepared for the upcoming deadlines. The events will be held between 23 and 27 September and are open to all businesses.
CULTURE
Lego boss explains the importance of play in business
As digital innovation reshapes the toy market, Lego's CEO, Niels B Christiansen, discusses the importance of play in business. Lego, which produces over 15,900 different types of bricks, has been growing its revenue and expanding into new markets. However, the company also faces the challenge of addressing its environmental impact. Christiansen acknowledges the importance of sustainability and aims to replace many of Lego's products with oil-free alternatives by 2032. Christiansen believes that playfulness is a tool for better leadership and workplaces, and he says Lego's playful work culture reflects this belief. The company encourages creativity, curiosity, and bravery in its employees and fosters a playful environment, Christiansen says.
ECONOMY
UK business activity expanding faster than expected
The UK private sector economy has expanded faster than expected, with the S&P Global flash composite purchasing managers' index (PMI) rising to 52.7. This indicates sustained and steady growth for the UK economy, which has been above the 50-point threshold for nine consecutive months. The manufacturing sector has seen a 24-month high, while the services sector has also shown improvement. The survey suggests that businesses have gained optimism about the future, reporting a surge in demand and increased hiring. Inflation across the private sector has fallen to a three-and-a-half-year low, providing a welcoming picture for the new government.
INTERNATIONAL
Dancers call off strike at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Hundreds of dancers set to perform at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony have called off a planned strike over pay disparities after reaching a deal with the event's organisers, the SFA-CGT union said. The performers secured a rise in compensation for broadcasting rights during a final round of talks with Paris 2024 organisers. The lowest-paid dancers will receive between €160-€240 ($150-$260) extra for their performance. The threat of a strike was an unwelcome development for organisers and risked deepening France's reputation for labour disputes. A whole host of French public sector workers have threatened strikes or stopped work ahead of the Olympics to demand bonuses. The opening ceremony is set to take place over a six-kilometre stretch of the river Seine, with around 6,000-7,000 athletes expected to sail down the river on 85 boats.
Bangladesh garment sector reopens after protest crackdown
Garment factories and banks have reopened in Bangladesh after authorities eased a curfew imposed to contain deadly clashes sparked by student protests over civil service employment quotas. Last week's violence killed at least 186 people, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals, during some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. The garment industry generates $50bn in yearly export revenue for Bangladesh, employing millions of young women to sew clothes for H&M, Zara, Gap and other leading international brands. "All garment factories have reopened across the country today," a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said.
Coal miner wins landmark legal victory in Australia and multi-million dollar payout for black lung
A coal miner in Australia has won a landmark legal victory and a multimillion-dollar payout after developing black lung due to his employers' negligence. Craig Keogh, a machine operator at mines in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, became the first Australian to win a black lung case at trial. The Dust Diseases Tribunal of NSW found the mines negligent in exposing Keogh to coal dust. Keogh, who was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis in 2018, was awarded A$3.2m in damages. The decision is said to set a strong precedent for coal miners in similar circumstances to receive compensation. Keogh said his main motivations for the legal action were to ensure others with similar ailments can get compensation and to drive the industry to improve safety standards. Judge David Russell accepted that Keogh will never work again due to his respiratory and psychiatric health. Downer Mining, CPB Contractors, and Campbell Mining Services are all responsible for the payout.
Denmark's labour shortage 'will drive companies to relocate'
Several municipalities in Denmark are projected to experience a significant drop in their workforce, potentially leading to companies relocating, a local business association says. According to a new 2050 projection by Dansk Erhverv, 78 out of 98 municipalities will see a decrease in their workforce over the next 25 years. In some municipalities, the drop will exceed 20%. The report highlights that urban areas are expected to see workforce growth, while fringe and rural municipalities will suffer. Peter Halkjær, head of the labour market at Dansk Erhverv, expressed his concern over the depopulation of the workforce in certain parts of the country. The analysis predicts a 3.5% decrease in the number of people aged 20-69 in Denmark by 2050.
 


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