Human Times

European Edition

24th October 2025

THE HOT STORY

Swiss firms shifting jobs abroad

Amid a strong Swiss franc and steep 39% US tariffs, many Swiss firms are shifting jobs abroad. A Deloitte survey of 114 CFOs found 37% foresee job cuts in Switzerland, while 35% plan to expand internationally. Swisscom is moving IT roles to Latvia and the Netherlands, while manufacturers like Packsys Global, Tofwerk, Ypsomed, and Thermoplan are considering or executing relocations to the EU or US. Ypsomed CEO Simon Michel explained: “We have no choice but to relocate part of our production.” UBS economists predict slower GDP growth due to this industrial shift.

The Local Switzerland

TALENT STRATEGY

11 Questions Every HR Pro Needs

Modern HR isn’t about policies, it’s about people. Yet too many conversations stay surface-level, trapped in corporate clichés and rehearsed answers. This free playbook reframes that. The HR Playbook: 11 Essential Questions for Successful Employee Relations arms you with practical, human-centred prompts that get to what really drives your people, what they fear, what motivates them, and what they need to thrive.

Whether it’s a tense performance review or a first interview, these questions help break down barriers, build trust, and turn routine discussions into powerful moments of connection. They’re designed for leaders who know culture is shaped one conversation at a time, and who want those conversations to count.

Download the HR Playbook and connect deeper.

WORKFORCE

Dutch labour market still tight

Despite a slight rise in Dutch unemployment to 4%, Randstad CEO Jeroen Tiel has noted ongoing labour shortages in sectors like healthcare (70,000 vacancies), construction (30,000), and engineering (50,000). “The labour market remains tight,” Tiel told the Telegraaf, urging modernised labour rules and better support for displaced workers. AI is impacting finance, IT, and marketing but remains limited in understaffed sectors. Randstad is training 2,000 mechanics, drivers, and operators. Labour expert Bart van Krimpnen noted most unemployed youth return to work within a year.

DutchNews.nl

Employee shortage tops SME concerns

The SME Q3 2025 Barometer, released by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, reveals that 46% of surveyed businesses cite employee shortages as their top concern. Other issues include unfair competition at 26% and excessive competition at 17%. Nationally, overpopulation is the leading concern at 36%. Despite a slight improvement in business sentiment, 66% of SMEs feel Malta is heading in the wrong direction. The Chamber emphasised the need for increased financial support for digitalisation and recommended raising credit caps for small enterprises. Paul Abela, President of the Chamber, stated that SMEs require "clarity, consistency, and fairness from institutions."

Independent

Torremolinos sees record employment growth

In September, Torremolinos reported 25,737 contributors, marking a 4% increase year-on-year. The town hall noted that one in four workers is self-employed, totalling 5,895 individuals, which is 22.9% of the workforce. Unemployment decreased to 4,304, a 6.6% drop from the previous year, representing the best employment figures since 2008. Additionally, 1,424 contracts were registered, reflecting a 14.93% month-on-month increase. The hotel, catering, and commerce sectors led in contract numbers, highlighting a positive trend in the local economy.

Sur in English.com

Romanians defy judgement in career choices

A new study reveals that many Romanians are choosing their career paths despite societal pressures. The "May You Always Be Free" campaign encourages individuals to pursue their aspirations without fear of judgement. While 42% of Romanians made independent career choices, only 38% of aspiring entrepreneurs ignored external opinions. Young people aged 18-24 are particularly affected, with 65% feeling pressured by societal expectations.

Business Review

Boost your workforce with subsidies

The Romanian government is offering subsidies to employers who hire and train individuals over 30 years old. The Bucharest Employment Agency (AMOFM) announced that companies can receive RON 2,250 (around €450) monthly for each apprentice registered with the Public Employment Service (SPO). This initiative aims to encourage the employment of older workers and enhance their skills in the workplace. "This funding is available as part of our commitment to support workforce development," said a spokesperson from AMOFM.

Romaniapress

PRODUCTIVITY

Spain faces €45bn absenteeism burden

Workplace absenteeism cost Spain over €45bn in 2024—about 3.5% of GDP—with 7% of all working hours lost. Northern regions like the Basque Country and Canary Islands reported rates above 9%, driven by industrial strain and seasonal employment. Baleares posted the lowest rate at 5.6%. SMEs were hit hardest, struggling to maintain operations. “Mental-health issues, stress, and musculoskeletal disorders remain leading causes,” and inefficiencies in medical leave processing prolong absences. Experts are calling for digital reforms, occupational health investment, and better workplace wellbeing strategies to reverse this growing trend.

Euro Weekly News

AI and monitoring reshape EU workplaces

A major 2024–2025 EU-wide survey of over 70,000 workers reveals that digitalisation, especially AI and monitoring, is rapidly transforming jobs. The Joint Research Centre found 90% of workers rely on digital tools, and 30% use AI daily—mainly for writing (65%), translation (59%), and data tasks (38%). Surveillance is widespread, with 37% monitored for hours worked and 36% for entry/exit. Algorithmic management now assigns tasks or time to 24% of workers. “Platformisation” affects 42% partially, while 7% are fully digitally managed. The report urges balanced policies to safeguard autonomy and privacy as digital tools expand.

Open Access Government

REMUNERATION

Average full-time City salaries surge

The abolition of the banker bonus cap in October 2023 has led to significant pay increases in the City of London. Average full-time salaries have surpassed £100,000 for the first time, reaching £103,352, a 10.6% rise from the previous year. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that average pay for all employees, including part-time workers, rose to £99,911. The surge is attributed to increased bonuses for bankers, lawyers, and tech professionals. However, median full-time pay remains lower at £68,663.

London Evening Standard

UK gender pay gap shrinks

The UK's gender pay gap has decreased by over 25% in the last decade, according to the Office for National Statistics. As of April, the gap in full-time employment stands at 6.9%. Additionally, the proportion of workers in low-paid jobs has reached a record low of 2.5%. The report highlights significant progress in reducing wage disparities. A spokesperson from the Office for National Statistics stated: "These figures reflect a positive trend in the labour market."

The I

TAX

Tax raid threatens Magic Circle firms

Partners at London's prestigious law firms may face a £250m tax increase under proposed plans by Rachel Reeves. A new 15% tax on profits from limited liability partnerships (LLPs) could raise their total tax bill from £1.78bn to £2.04bn. Colin Passmore, chairman of the City of London Law Society, warned that this change could harm London's competitiveness as a legal hub. David McNeill, director of public affairs at The Law Society, stated that the tax could significantly impact the legal profession, potentially leading to job losses and "legal deserts" in rural areas. Analysis by UHY Hacker Young shows that applying a 15% employer's NICs rate would create an additional tax liability of around £46,000 per partner each year.

The Daily Telegraph

City A.M.

WORKPLACE

Celebrating excellence at people empowering business awards

The People Empowering Business Awards Gala took place on October 22 at InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, celebrating leaders and teams who foster empowering work environments. This year's event recognised outstanding professionals across various sectors in Romania. Awards were presented in categories such as Excellence in Talent Acquisition and High Voltage Operations Excellence, with notable winners including Cătălina Stancu and Ionuț Burcă. The gala highlighted the importance of recognising contributions to workplace culture.

Thediplomat.ro

G4S Malta celebrates employee excellence

G4S Malta recently held the HIGH Five Awards to honour employees for their exceptional service and dedication. General Manager Elton Debattista and Chief People Officer John Muscat Drago praised the awardees for exemplifying the company's core values, such as professionalism and teamwork. Notable achievements included managing a medical emergency at Malta International Airport and maintaining vehicle standards.

Independent

INTERNATIONAL

Nearly half of Americans fear job market collapse

Economic anxiety is on the rise, with a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll revealing that 47% of Americans lack confidence in their ability to secure good jobs, up from 37% in October 2023. High costs for essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare are major stressors, with 36% citing electricity bills as a significant concern. Despite a low unemployment rate and stock market gains, 68% of US adults describe the economy as “poor,” highlighting a disconnect between economic indicators and public sentiment. The survey indicates a growing sense of economic precarity, particularly among younger adults, with many feeling that middle-class stability is increasingly out of reach.

Los Angeles Times

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