THE HOT STORY

Hyundai plant was deadly before ICE raid

Three workers have died since Hyundai Motor started construction of its $7.6bn auto plant in Georgia in 2022, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing a review of federal records. The facility, which is operated through a joint venture between Hyundai and South Korea's LG Energy Solution, hit the headlines last month after an immigration raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents led to the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers. Current and former workers, including safety coordinators who helped oversee construction of the plant, said the work environment involved poorly trained workers and managers unwilling to enforce safety standards.

Wall Street Journal

WORKFORCE

Vance warns of 'deeper' cuts ahead for federal workers

Vice President JD Vance has warned that the ongoing government shutdown could lead to "deeper" cuts in the federal workforce. "The longer this goes on, the deeper the cuts are going to be," Vance said during an interview on Fox News. As the shutdown entered its 12th day, the Office of Management and Budget indicated that over 4,000 federal employees would soon be laid off. The shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix and demanded that the bill include an extension of federal subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. While negotiations between parties have stalled, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed willingness to negotiate, saying: "We will sit down with anyone, anytime, anyplace."

ECONOMY

U.S. consumer sentiment levels out in October

U.S. consumer sentiment has remained at a steady level in October so far, with the impact of the federal government shut down yet to become apparent in households. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers on Friday said its Consumer Sentiment Index was little changed at 55, from a final reading of 55.1 in September. It was above the 54.2 expected among economists polled by Reuters. The survey's measure of consumer expectations for inflation over the next year fell to a still-high 4.6% this month from 4.7% in September. "Overall, consumers perceive very few changes in the outlook for the economy from last month. Pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds," Joanne Hsu, the director of the Surveys of Consumers, said in a statement. "At this time, consumers do not expect meaningful improvement in these factors. Meanwhile, interviews reveal little evidence that the ongoing federal government shutdown has moved consumers’ views of the economy thus far."

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

HEALTH & WELLBEING

More employers provide menopause-related benefits

The so-called "Cougar Puberty" meme sparked discussion about menopause among employees at PR and marketing firm Bospar, leading to the launch of a menopause program offering support and flexible hours. As awareness grows, more employers are providing menopause-related benefits, with the proportion of U.S. companies offering these services rising from 15% to 25%. State initiatives are also emerging, such as Rhode Island's mandate for workplace accommodations for menopausal symptoms. Challenges remain in accessing information about menopause, prompting some employers to connect staff with specialists and peer support groups.

The Wall Street Journal

TECHNOLOGY

Most companies suffer some risk-related financial loss deploying AI

Nearly every large company to have introduced artificial intelligence has incurred some initial financial loss due to such factors as compliance failures, flawed outputs, bias, or disruptions to sustainability goals, according to an EY survey. The survey was based on responses from 975 executives overseeing AI at companies with annual sales exceeding $1bn from around the world in July and August 2025. It was focused on what it terms "Responsible AI" adoption, a series of metrics assessing whether companies have established internal governance policies for AI, communicated clear usage guidelines, and monitored compliance. Companies with more fully developed "Responsible AI" policies reported stronger performance on sales, cost savings, and employee satisfaction metrics, EY said.

Reuters

DoorDash teams up with Serve Robotics

DoorDash is collaborating with Serve Robotics to enhance its delivery services through autonomous robots, starting in Los Angeles. The multiyear partnership allows Serve's robots to fulfill DoorDash orders while also serving rival Uber. Serve chief executive Ali Kashani remarked: “It's a good validation because now we are seeing both of the major platforms in the country investing quite a bit in autonomy”. DoorDash aims to combine human couriers with autonomous solutions, having previously partnered with Coco Robotics and developed its own delivery robot. Serve plans to double its fleet to 2,000 robots by year-end, focusing on food delivery but looking to expand into other areas like grocery transport.

Los Angeles Times

CYBERSECURITY

Over 100 firms may have been affected by Oracle hacking

Google has reported that over 100 companies may have been compromised in a hacking campaign linked to Oracle's business products, which began around three months ago. The CL0P hacker group is suspected to be behind the operation. The group is noted for its history of extensive breaches affecting third-party software providers. Google highlighted that significant resources were likely dedicated to the initial attack, indicating potentially extensive damage and data theft.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Subcontracted workers in Korea face rising fatalities

In 2024, subcontracted workers accounted for 47.7% of workplace fatalities in Korea, the highest number since the Serious Accidents Punishment Act was enacted in 2022. Data from the Ministry of Employment and Labor revealed that out of 589 investigated fatalities, 281 involved subcontracted workers. While overall workplace deaths decreased from 644 in 2022 to 589 in 2024, the proportion of subcontracted workers among the deceased has increased. Rep. Kim Ju-young said: "The system continues to offload risks and costs onto subcontractors, pushing them to the brink of death."

Korea Joongang Daily

Russia's industrial companies furlough workers

Some of Russia's biggest industrial companies are furloughing employees or cutting staff amid a slowing war economy, stalling domestic demand and evaporating exports. Reuters has identified six companies in Russia's mining and transport sectors that have cut their working week in an attempt to reduce wage bills without raising unemployment.

Reuters

Google plans $5.8bn investment in Belgium

Google is to invest €5bn ($5.82bn) in Belgium over two years to expand its St. Ghislain data centre facility and create 300 jobs. “With today’s announcement, Google is deepening its roots in Belgium, extending our investments in the country and creating new avenues for AI-driven transformation,” the company said. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said in a statement: “Google’s new investment is a powerful sign of trust in Belgium as a hub for digital innovation and sustainable growth.”

U.S. News

Wall Street Journal

OTHER

California cracks down on puppy brokers

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed new animal welfare laws aimed at enhancing transparency in puppy sales. The legislation includes Assembly Bill 519, which bans online marketplaces for puppy brokers, and Assembly Bill 506, which voids contracts requiring nonrefundable deposits. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it's time to shine a light on puppy mills,” Mr. Newsom said. Despite these advancements, concerns remain about enforcement and the potential for unregulated markets to persist. While the new laws were championed by animal welfare groups, some have questioned how adequately the laws will be enforced by state officials. “Enforcement will now fall on nonprofits like ours to monitor and report issues that we see, in hopes that the agencies act,” said Mindi Callison, head of the Iowa-based anti-puppy-mill nonprofit Bailing Out Benji, who added that lawmakers should next turn their focus to requiring California breeders to be licensed, similar to standards in Iowa, Missouri and other states.

Los Angeles Times

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.

Online

Advertise

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

Click here to unsubscribe