Human Times
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European Edition
4th November 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Novo Nordisk proceeds with restructuring plan and job cuts

Novo Nordisk's restructuring plan, which includes 9,000 job cuts, is nearing completion, with the company informing employees in most locations about the layoffs, as per CEO Mike Doustdar’s LinkedIn update. The decision follows increased competition from rivals including Eli Lilly in the United States, prompting the pharmaceutical giant to adapt its workforce. Doustdar noted that the pace of notifications varies according to local laws, reflecting the complexities of implementing such widespread changes.
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COMPLIANCE

Managing Substance Use at Work

Employee substance use - whether prescription or controlled - creates serious challenges for employers. From safety and performance to morale and liability, the impact can be significant. Yet HR leaders often face uncertainty about what testing is allowed, how to handle disclosures, and how to stay compliant with evolving regulations.

This briefing provides clear direction on developing fair, consistent workplace policies. It outlines compliant testing procedures, effective documentation, and balanced responses to incidents, helping HR teams act confidently and within the law.

Access the full report for practical HR guidance.

 
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REGULATION

ExxonMobil warns EU law could force exit from Europe

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods says the US energy giant will not be able to continue operations in the European Union if the bloc does not revise the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, a sustainability law that could impose fines of 5% of global revenue. The law mandates companies doing business in the EU to identify and address human rights and environmental risks throughout their supply chains. "If we can't be a successful company in Europe, and more importantly, if they start to try to take their harmful legislation and enforce that all around the world where we do business, it becomes impossible to stay there," Woods said.
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CULTURE

RTÉ invests in staff feedback

Irish state broadcaster RTÉ plans to spend €250,000 on annual surveys to gather staff feedback on culture reform and organisational changes. The move follows a previous engagement survey conducted last May, which involved over 1,300 employees. A spokesman said: "The findings have been helpful in giving RTÉ a clear understanding of what is working well and where we need to make improvements." The broadcaster aims to enhance workplace culture, which is seen as vital for employee experience and organisational performance. The contract for the surveys is expected to be awarded in January and will last for three years, with two optional extensions.
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LEGAL

Lafarge on trial in France on charges of funding jihadists

Cement group Lafarge is on trial in France for allegedly paying jihadist groups, including the Islamic State, to operate its plant in Syria during the civil war there. The company, which pleaded guilty in the US to similar charges, is accused of funding terrorism and violating international sanctions. The trial involves former executives and staff, with Lafarge potentially facing fines of up to $1.2m. The inquiry began in 2017 after media reports and complaints regarding its Syria operations. The trial is expected to last until mid-December.

Moët Hennessy sues fired employee over sexual harassment claims

Moët Hennessy is seeking more than €50,000 in damages from Maria Gasparovic, who it accuses of “public defamation” by writing on social media about her alleged experiences at the company.
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WORKFORCE

Migration to OECD countries declined in 2024

New permanent migration to OECD countries fell by 4% in 2024, following three years of significant increases. Despite the drop, the total of 6.2 million new permanent immigrants remains relatively high, at 15% above 2019 levels, according to a new OECD report. The International Migration Outlook 2025 shows that, from 2023 to 2024, permanent migration declined by 56% in New Zealand and 41% in the United Kingdom, and by more than 10% also in Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Norway, Slovenia, the Slovak Republic and Sweden. In contrast, in 2024, permanent migration increased by 20% in the United States, driven by humanitarian flows. Increases of more than 5% were also registered in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czechia, Ireland and Japan.

German pilot union allows Lufthansa more time to address pensions issue

Germany's pilots union, VC, has granted Lufthansa additional time to address a pensions dispute, temporarily avoiding a potential strike. The union's decision, outlined in a letter to members, comes after recent negotiations that did not yield results, with VC emphasising the need to allow management to present a new offer. Despite previous support for industrial action, the union said that "for the time being no industrial action is to be expected," although it did not specify an exact timeframe for the negotiations.
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HIRING

Reed warns of UK jobs drought

James Reed, CEO of recruitment firm Reed Employment, has voiced concern over the UK employment market, saying: "It’s a jobs drought - more of a desert actually." His comments come with unemployment having risen to 4.7%, marking a four year high, and Office for National Statistics data showing that there have been 39 consecutive periods of declining vacancies. Mr Reed attributes the situation to increased National Insurance costs and the proposed Employment Rights Bill, which he believes will deter hiring. He notes a significant drop in graduate vacancies, projecting only 50,000 this year and noting that this marks a 9% year-on-year decline.
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LEADERSHIP

‘We’re the invisible ones’: the chiefs of staff running the world’s biggest companies

Once rare in business, the chief of staff position is becoming more important and popular in the upper ranks of many multinational companies and fast-growing start-ups, writes Anjli Raval.
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INTERNATIONAL

GM lays off 1,700 workers amid slower EV demand

General Motors is laying off approximately 1,700 workers across its manufacturing sites in Michigan and Ohio due to a decline in electric vehicle demand. The Detroit News reported that the layoffs include around 1,200 jobs at an all-electric plant in Detroit and 550 workers at the Ultium Cells battery plant in Ohio. GM said: “In response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment, General Motors is realigning EV capacity.” The company also announced temporary layoffs for 850 workers in Ohio and 700 in Tennessee, with plans to upgrade facilities during the pause. The layoffs come after the expiration of federal tax credits for EVs, which had previously incentivised buyers.

AI reshapes Korea's job landscape

A Bank of Korea (BOK) report reveals that AI adoption is widening the generational employment gap in Korea. From July 2022 to July 2025, youth jobs fell by 211,000, primarily in AI-exposed sectors, while employment for workers in their 50s rose by 209,000. The report noted that younger workers often perform routine tasks easily replaced by AI, whereas older workers engage in roles requiring complex skills. The BOK said that AI could eventually enhance productivity and create new opportunities for younger workers, and is urging policy support for start-ups to foster job growth.

Woolworths executive files discrimination lawsuit

Miwah Van, Woolworths' chief growth officer, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Australian supermarket giant and several executives, including former CEO Brad Banducci. The claim was submitted in the Federal Court, and the company is currently reviewing the details. Van is represented by Harmers Workplace Lawyers, which is known for its previous high-profile cases. This year, the firm represented two senior legal officers in a case against Super Retail Group, which resulted in the departure of the company's chief executive. Woolworths confirmed that Van is on leave.
 
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