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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The Trump administration is seeking access to sensitive medical records of millions of federal workers, retirees, and their families. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) aims to require 65 insurance companies to provide detailed health data, including prescriptions and treatment histories. OPM could use the data to analyze costs and improve the system, said Sharona Hoffman, a health law ethicist at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. “But,” she said, “they are going to get very, very detailed and granular data about everything that happens. The concern here is the more information they have, they could use it to discipline or target people who are not cooperating politically.”
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Human Times
UK
The government has introduced new legislation that will enable disabled claimants to work without the risk of losing their benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions has laid amendments to existing laws, and the changes are set to take effect by the end of this month. The initiative, which has been called the "Right to Try", is key to a government strategy to prevent people from being "trapped on benefits." Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms, said: Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy . . . With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long."
Human Times
Europe
Civil servants in the Netherlands will launch a nationwide strike next week in response to a proposed wage freeze. Organised by unions including FNV and CNV, the strike will involve around 160,000 government employees and disrupt services across the country. Key locations for protests include Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The unions argue that the government's zero wage growth policy is eroding public sector workers' purchasing power amid rising grocery prices. Minister Pieter Heerma has indicated a desire to resume negotiations with the unions.
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Human Times
Middle East
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has introduced a targeted package of temporary economic support measures to assist its business and retail community amid current challenges. Effective immediately, these initiatives aim to alleviate short-term operational and financial pressures. Arif Amiri, chief executive of DIFC Authority, said: "The package of temporary relief measures reflects a thoughtful and proactive approach to easing immediate pressures." The measures include flexible payment plans, grace periods on administrative payments, and regulatory relief for new and existing firms in the DIFC.
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