THE HOT STORY

New law to target workplace bullying in Bahrain

A proposal to define and criminalise workplace bullying has been tabled by lawmakers in Bahrain who stress its importance for protecting employees’ dignity, upholding human rights, and reinforcing workplace justice. The legislative push is being spearheaded by the Strategic Thinking Bloc. Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, a member of the bloc, has described workplace bullying as "a hidden injustice" that leaves lasting psychological scars on victims. “Bullying at work is not just a normal disagreement between employees; it is abusive behaviour that threatens human dignity and basic rights,” Dr Al Dhaen said.

Gdn Online

TALENT STRATEGY

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CORPORATE

HR is not for wimps

The Financial Times' Pilita Clark says that as HR's remit relentlessly expands, "the profession is reaching a point where it is unusually prone to attack from employees and employers alike."

Financial Times

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Record female participation in Saudi digital sector

Women now represent 35% of Saudi Arabia's digital workforce, a significant rise from 7% in 2018. Safa Al-Rashed, acting deputy minister for Future Skills and Capabilities, highlighted this achievement during a panel discussion in Riyadh. Over 389,000 specialists work in digital professions, with more than 200,000 benefiting from digital awareness initiatives. Al-Rashed said: "Empowering national cadres with future-ready skills is the foundation for strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global hub for innovation." She emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining this momentum under Vision 2030.

Zawya EN

HEALTH & SAFETY

Workshop for workers on protection from biological hazards

Qatar's Ministry of Labour (MoL) recently conducted a workshop in Doha to educate workers about biological hazards. The event, organised in collaboration with Amwaj Company and the Qatar Red Crescent, aimed to enhance awareness of safety protocols in sensitive work environments. Participants learned about pathogens and illnesses linked to biological hazards, such as food poisoning and respiratory infections. MoL officials emphasised the importance of preventive measures, including handwashing and proper use of personal protective equipment. "Employers must implement approved preventive measures to ensure worker protection," a MoL representative said.

The Peninsula

WORKFORCE

GCC labour force is up 25% from 2020

Jasem Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, has reported a significant increase in the GCC labour market, with the number of workers growing from 27.9m in 2020 to 34.9m in 2024, an increase of 24.8%. He attributed this success to effective policies that reduce unemployment and enhance private sector roles. Albudaiwi highlighted the importance of developing labour policies to harness the youthful energy of Gulf societies. He also noted that female participation in the workforce had increased to 40.2% in Q2 2024, up from 36.4% in 2019. The International Monetary Fund forecasts a 4.1% growth in GCC economies by 2026.

Trade Arabia

HIRING

Career fair opens doors for Qataris

Qatar's Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Commercial Bank, has hosted a career fair aimed at providing employment opportunities for Qataris and children of Qatari women. The initiative supports the nationalisation agenda and aligns with the Third National Development Strategy. Mohammed Al Kawwari, Assistant Director of the National Manpower Recruitment Department, said: "The fair opens new horizons for national talent." The event targeted university students and recent graduates, offering immediate recruitment and professional training in various fields, and reinforcing Qatar's commitment to enhancing workforce participation and development.

Gulf Times

INTERNATIONAL

UK unions call for workers’ rights commitment

Unions in the UK are urging the government not to water down the Employment Rights Bill amid a reshuffle that has seen ministers who spearheaded calls for enhanced workers’ rights leave their positions. Unions have voiced concern after Angela Rayner resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Justin Madders was removed as Employment Rights Minister. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that removing ministers who have worked with unions on the Bill "signals a move in the wrong direction." Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said that while the Conservatives and Lib Dems "are desperately trying to water this Bill down," Labour must stand firm and deliver legislation that will "level the playing field." TUC analysis shows that 4m people in the UK are in insecure work, including those on zero-hours contracts, agency workers and low-paid self-employed workers who miss out on key rights and protections.

BBC News

Financial Times

The Independent

South Korea secures release of detained workers

South Korea has finalised an agreement with the US for the release of South Korean workers detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced that negotiations are complete, pending some administrative steps. A charter plane will be dispatched to bring the workers home once these steps are finalised. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that over 300 South Koreans were among the 475 individuals detained in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, which targeted a manufacturing site for electric vehicle batteries.

Saudi Gazette

Gdn Online

U.S. News

Chinese company pays employees to lose weight

Arashi Vision, a Shenzhen-based company, is incentivising employee weight loss with a unique bonus programme. Employees earn $70 for every 0.5kg lost, with one participant, Xie Yaqi, winning 20,000 yuan ($2,800) after shedding 20kg. The programme, initiated in 2022, has awarded 2m yuan ($280,000) across seven seasons. Each season, about 30 employees are monitored weekly. However, there is a penalty: participants must pay 800 yuan for every 0.5kg gained. A company representative said: "Through this challenge, we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage our employees to prioritise their well-being beyond work."

Gdn Online

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