Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
North American Edition
11th July 2025
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

Weekly jobless claims dip to seven-week low

The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits unexpectedly fell to a seven-week low last week, the Labor Department reported on Thursday, suggesting employers may be holding on to workers despite other indications of a cooling labor market and creating no urgency for the Federal Reserve to resume its interest rate cuts. initial claims fell for a fourth straight week in the seven days to July 5th, slipping 5,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 227,000. Economists were expecting claims to move higher to 238,000, according to FactSet. The four-week moving average fell to 235,500, the lowest since late May, while continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, rose by 10,000 to 1.965m. “It’s difficult to find a new job right now. Young people are struggling to get their first jobs and anyone who has been laid off is having a hard time landing their next role,” Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, wrote Thursday. “The labor market is frozen outside of healthcare, education and law enforcement jobs. Hiring is anemic in other sectors as companies remain cautious in this environment.”
Industry Slice Icon Logo

WORKFORCE

EPA employees demand reinstatement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is facing backlash after placing 139 employees on leave for signing a letter criticizing the Trump administration's policies. Justin Chen, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, said: "These employees engaged in protected speech on a matter of significant public concern," emphasizing that their actions are safeguarded by federal law. The letter, signed by hundreds of EPA staff, accused the agency of harmful deregulatory actions and neglecting scientific evidence amid a major reorganization under President Trump. Chen urged EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reinstate the employees and halt any disciplinary actions against them. The EPA has not yet commented on the situation.

DOGE's alarming access to farmer data

DOGE has gained high-level access to the National Payment Service system, which manages billions in government payments and loans for U.S. farmers and ranchers. Scott Marlow, a former USDA official, emphasized the sensitivity of the data, commenting: "The farmer's entire financial life... it's there." This access allows DOGE to view and modify personal information, raising significant privacy concerns. Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, warn that DOGE's involvement could disrupt essential financial support for farmers, especially during challenging times. The USDA's internal protocols are being challenged as DOGE's access deepens, potentially leading to severe consequences for agricultural producers.

Jobs on the chopping block

The U.S. labor market is set to experience significant changes, with certain occupations projected to decline by 10% or more by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A report by 24/7 Wall St. highlights that while the economy is expected to add 6.7m jobs from 2023 to 2033, overall employment growth will slow to 0.4% annually. The healthcare and social assistance sectors are anticipated to see the most growth due to an aging population and rising chronic conditions. Conversely, many of the jobs at risk are low-skill positions vulnerable to technological advancements. The report notes: "A bulk of disappearing jobs are low-skill occupations with few, if any, educational requirements."

Winnebago cuts 121 jobs in Iowa

Winnebago's motorhome division is set to lay off 121 workers in Waverly and Charles City, as reported to the Mason City Globe Gazette. The layoffs, scheduled for September, follow a previous round of 196 layoffs announced in May across four locations.

Surgical center staff confront ICE agents

In a dramatic incident at the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center in Southern California, staff confronted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to detain a Honduran landscaper. Video footage shows clinic staff demanding identification and a warrant from the armed agents, with one staff member asserting: “Get your hands off of him. You don't even have a warrant.” The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the surgery center staff “assaulted law enforcement” during the operation. Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, noted that the detained man was sending money to Honduras for his mother's dialysis treatments. Hernandez praised the clinic's staff for their bravery, highlighting the increasing frequency of such detentions in public spaces.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

HIRING

Trump targets Minnesota's hiring policy

The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into the Minnesota Department of Human Services regarding its updated affirmative action hiring policy. This policy mandates that supervisors provide justification when hiring candidates who are not from underrepresented groups, which the Department of Justice claims may violate civil rights laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated: "Minnesotans deserve to have their state government employees hired based on merit, not based on illegal DEI." The Minnesota Department of Human Services maintains that it complies with all hiring laws, citing a state statute requiring justification for non-affirmative action hires since 1987.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

LEGAL

Farm labor debate heats up

Iowa's leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, and former Gov. Tom Vilsack, are addressing the contentious issue of farm labor amid President Donald Trump's administration's hard-line deportation policies. Trump proposed a plan allowing undocumented farmworkers to remain in the U.S. if their employers vouch for them, stating, "We don't want to do it where we take all of the workers off the farms." However, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins later clarified that there would be "no amnesty" for these workers, emphasizing a strategic approach to mass deportations. Vilsack warned that such deportations could severely impact the agricultural sector, particularly dairy farming, and highlighted the stalled Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which aimed to provide legal status to undocumented agricultural workers. Reynolds expressed the need for Iowa's involvement in discussions about these policies, stating, "This is a really important issue for Iowa agriculture."

California schools face abuse payout crisis

California's AB 218 law has led to over 1,000 lawsuits against school districts for past sexual abuse, allowing victims to file claims without the usual statute of limitations. The law has resulted in significant financial repercussions, with settlements totaling nearly $3bn, pushing some districts towards insolvency. Superintendent Diana Rigby of Carpinteria Unified expressed concern, saying: “It’s untenable,” as the district faces multiple lawsuits. Legislative efforts are underway to amend the law, but the balance between victim rights and financial sustainability remains a challenge.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

ECONOMY

U.S. small-business optimism dimmed in June

Sentiment among U.S. small businesses fell slightly in June as owners continued to worry about taxes ahead of a major legislative win for the Trump administration. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said Tuesday that its optimism index, a gauge of sentiment among small firms, edged down 0.2 points to 98.6 in June, slightly above its long-term reading of 98. A consensus of economists polled by the Wall Street Journal expected 98.7. A substantial increase in respondents reporting excess inventories contributed the most to the decline, the NFIB said, with nearly one in eight businesses reporting inventories were "too high" in June, almost double that in May. Respondents also reported a substantial decline in how they see the health of their own businesses, with 49% reporting "good" and 8% reporting "excellent," down from 55% and 14%, respectively, in May. Those reporting fair or poor business health increased.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Substance use at work alarmingly high

Research from Ohio State University indicates that nearly 9% of U.S. employees in their thirties engage in substance use while working, particularly in the construction and service industries. Sehun Oh, an associate professor of social work, expressed concern over the findings, especially in safety-sensitive roles, stating, “We’re really concerned to see the findings for safety-sensitive occupations.” The study highlights a strong correlation between workplace substance use and external misuse, with those using marijuana at work being more likely to be heavy drinkers. The analysis, based on data from over 5,400 employees, suggests that updated workplace policies could help mitigate substance misuse, as 20% of participants reported no existing substance use policy at their workplaces. The research was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TECHNOLOGY

AI's role in layoffs: a double-edged sword

AI is increasingly influencing critical decisions regarding layoffs, with many employees viewing automation as a threat. However, AI can also offer alternatives to layoffs, such as retraining and job rotations. Lauren Herring, CEO of a leading career development company, emphasises that while AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making, it must be used responsibly. A Gallup survey indicates that 75% of Americans believe AI will reduce jobs in the next decade, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in AI-driven decisions. Herring advises against over-reliance on AI, highlighting the importance of human oversight and emotional support during layoffs. "AI should complement and enhance the outplacement process," she states, underscoring the need for a personal touch in employee transitions.

Roughnecks face tech-driven transformation

The oil and gas industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from traditional roughneck roles towards a technology-driven workforce. As operations become more efficient, the number of workers has drastically decreased; for instance, Oklahoma has lost nearly a third of its oil and gas workforce since 2019. Companies are now prioritising skilled roles, such as AI specialists and data scientists, as automation and advanced technologies like robotics and drones take precedence. Ryan Arsenault noted that “a company will spend thirty-eight million dollars a year on unplanned downtime costs, primarily due to human error.” However, AI is also providing solutions, with augmented reality training and digital twins helping to equip existing workers with necessary skills. This shift not only enhances safety but also opens up new job opportunities for workers in the evolving landscape of the industry.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

Indian workers unite for Bharat Bandh

Hundreds of thousands of workers across India participated in a one-day strike, dubbed "Bharat Bandh," in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's privatisation efforts and economic reforms. Organised by a coalition of 10 major trade unions, the strike disrupted public services, manufacturing, and transportation. Activist Aishe Ghosh highlighted the precarious situation of workers, stating, "You can be fired any day from work. Your labour has no value in this country." The unions demand higher wages, a halt to privatisation, and the withdrawal of new labour laws. Despite the government's push for foreign investment and economic reforms, trade unions remain unconvinced, with Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, asserting that the government aims to suppress workers under the guise of business ease. The strike reflects growing discontent among workers and farmers over their rights and economic conditions.
 
Industry SLice Logo

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe