Human Times

European Edition

15th January 2026

THE HOT STORY

Greece launches job scheme for mothers

Greece is launching a significant employment support programme aimed at helping unemployed women, particularly mothers, re-enter the workforce. Announced by Labour Minister Niki Kerameos, the initiative will create 10,000 jobs with a budget of €100m. The programme offers wage subsidies of up to 80% for employers hiring women with children under 15. Kerameos stated: "The state wants to stand by these women and help them take the important step of re-entering employment." Applications will be processed online through the gov.gr platform, matching employers with candidates from the unemployment registry.

GreekCitytimes

REPORT

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WORKFORCE

Finland's new immigrant benefit plan sparks outrage

Finland's government plans to introduce a new benefit system for immigrant jobseekers, set to begin in 2027. Under this proposal, newcomers without jobs will receive 'integration support' at a lower rate than native Finns. Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen said: "People integrate into Finland by working," emphasising the need for language skills. However, integration specialists have raised concerns about equality and the potential for increased marginalisation. Critics argue that the changes may complicate the integration process and question the constitutionality of treating immigrants differently.

YLE Uutiset

Doctors in Spain strike for better conditions

Spanish doctors launched a two-day national strike demanding a profession-specific statute, rejecting the Health Ministry's broader framework. Organised by Apemyf, the strike impacted regions including Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia, with demonstrations in major cities. Protesters argue the current framework neglects physicians’ unique working conditions. “All the medical unions involved have formed a common front,” EFE reported, with indefinite strikes not ruled out. The Health Ministry has asked regional governments to weigh in on region-specific issues, prompting criticism from opposition leaders over decentralizing responsibility.

The Local Spain

Global unemployment rate holds steady

The global unemployment rate is projected to remain at 4.9% until 2027, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Despite this apparent stability, ILO officials warned of a significant shortage of decent jobs, with 186m people currently unemployed. Caroline Fredrickson, head of the ILO's research department, noted: "Global labor markets look stable, but that stability is quite fragile." The report also highlighted that nearly 300 million workers live in extreme poverty, earning less than $3 a day, and 2.1bn are in informal jobs with limited protections.

Daily Sabah

LEGAL

UK firms concerned over worker rights reforms

The UK Employment Rights Act is projected to cost businesses £1bn annually. This figure marks a decline on a previous estimate of £5bn, which was based on a now-abandoned policy allowing immediate unfair dismissal claims. The British Chambers of Commerce has expressed scepticism about the savings, saying employers remain concerned about the "cumulative financial impact" of the legislation and the "impact on their ability to recruit, develop and harness a skilled workforce." The new Fair Work Agency will oversee employment rights enforcement, but critics, including Andrew Griffith, the Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, argue it serves union interests rather than businesses.

The Daily Telegraph

Court orders Credit Suisse to pay €910,000

Credit Suisse was ordered by a French court to pay €910,000 to a trader who claimed discrimination due to her pregnancy. The plaintiff, a vice president in the bank's French branch, alleged that her promotion and raise were halted after she announced her pregnancy. The Paris Court of Appeal found evidence of "structural sex discrimination" within the company. Initially awarded €150,000 by a labour court in 2019, she appealed for a larger settlement. Credit Suisse, now acquired by UBS, retains the right to appeal this latest decision.

The Local

Trial of aid workers sparks outrage

Humanitarian aid workers, including Sarah Mardini, face up to 20 years in prison for allegedly facilitating illegal migrant entry into Greece. The trial, known as the "Mardini case," is seen as a significant test of the European Union's stance on humanitarian work. Mardini, who gained fame for saving lives during her own refugee journey, is among 24 defendants charged with serious crimes, including espionage and money laundering. The case has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue it criminalises solidarity and could deter future humanitarian efforts.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

HIRING

McKinsey tests AI in hiring process

McKinsey is piloting a shake-up in how it recruits its next generation, asking graduate candidates to use an AI assistant to complete tests designed to reflect consultants’ new ways of working. According to CaseBasix, a company that helps candidates apply for posts at leading strategic consulting companies, the firm is asking candidates in “select final rounds” to complete tests using McKinsey’s internal AI tool, Lilli. Mayank Gupta, chief executive of CaseBasix, said that other top consulting firms, including Boston Consulting Group and Bain, are also likely to adopt AI in their interview procedures.

Financial Times

The Guardian

Big Tech's energy hiring surge

Big Tech is increasingly hiring energy specialists as electricity access becomes crucial for AI infrastructure expansion. Energy-related recruitment at tech firms surged by 34% year on year in 2024, remaining 30% above pre-2022 levels, according to Workforce.ai data. This trend reflects the rising demand for skills in power procurement and grid connections. Daniel Smart, group chief executive of The Green Recruitment Company, noted: "Energy strategy, power purchase agreements and grid interface skills are now among the most in-demand profiles." Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google have made significant energy-related hires since 2022.

City A.M.

CORPORATE

Magnit eyes expansion into occupied Ukraine

Magnit, the major Russian grocery retailer, is reportedly preparing to expand into Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, according to the Kommersant business daily. The company has begun supplying products to local chain Tvoy Magazin, which operates in Donetsk, Mariupol, and Luhansk. The collaboration may serve as a precursor to opening Magnit-branded stores. However, Magnit said that its primary expansion focus for 2026 is eastern Siberia and the Far East. Experts suggest that high borrowing costs and weak consumer demand may hinder large-scale retail expansion in the occupied regions.

The Moscow Times

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

New HR head sparks disinformation fears

Slovakia's public broadcaster STVR appointed Silvia Repčoková as head of human resources, raising concerns due to her husband, Adrián Repčok, hosting a pro-Russian conspiracy radio show. STVR plans to lay off about 5% of its 1,700 employees. Critics worry about the broadcaster's increasing alignment with disinformation narratives, especially under General Director Martina Flašíková, who has ties to pro-government media. Recent programming choices have also invited conspiracy theorists, further fuelling scrutiny of STVR's leadership and its connections to the ruling coalition.

The Slovak Spectator

Michelin reaffirms Menegaux as CEO

Florent Menegaux has been reappointed as CEO of Michelin for another four years, reaffirming the board's confidence in his leadership. Menegaux, who has been with the company since 1997, is the second CEO not from the Michelin family since its founding in the late 19th century. Yves Chapot, the co-CEO and CFO, will not seek re-election in May, with Philippe Jacquin expected to take over, pending confirmation at the upcoming general assembly on 22 May.

ANSA.it

INVESTMENT

UniCredit and EIF boost SME funding

UniCredit and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have signed a new InvestEU guarantee agreement, unlocking up to €890m for SMEs in Central and Eastern Europe. The €445m guarantee extends the InvestEU umbrella launched in 2023, focusing on sustainability and innovation. EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt said: "This transaction demonstrates how InvestEU can be deployed at scale to deliver tangible impact for Europe's SMEs." Teodora Petkova, Head of UniCredit for Central and Eastern Europe, noted the need for better financing conditions to support SME growth in the region.

Thediplomat.ro

WORKPLACE

Small firms thrive by investing in teams

Small German tax firms are enhancing workplace conditions to attract talent amid a skills shortage. Johannes Lemminger, co-owner of Lemminger & Lemminger, emphasised the importance of team dynamics and personal connection. The firm offers benefits like flexible hours and a supportive environment, which has led to a high volume of applications. According to the SWI HR study, smaller firms excelled in workplace culture, with 200 firms recognised for their efforts. Pamela Baierl from Tax Talk Consulting highlighted the significance of family-friendly policies in attracting candidates. "We receive applications that mention our family-friendly approach," she said.

Handelsblatt

INTERNATIONAL

Older workers dominate the U.S. job market

The U.S. labour force is ageing as workers aged 65 and older are delaying retirement or returning to work, limiting opportunities for younger job seekers. A study by Revelio Labs revealed that the average age of new hires has risen by 18 months since 2022, reflecting a more selective job market. Older workers are favoured due to their experience and productivity, while younger applicants face increased barriers to entry. Revelio noted: "Older workers are staying longer in the labour force or returning from retirement, while younger workers face higher barriers to entry."

The Independent UK

Labubu dolls linked to worker exploitation

A recent investigation by China Labor Watch (CLW) has uncovered potential worker exploitation at Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, a factory producing the popular Labubu dolls. The report alleges excessive overtime, incomplete contracts, and lack of paid leave for over 4,500 employees. CLW conducted 51 interviews, highlighting issues such as illegal overtime and inadequate safety training. While no child labour was found, 16-year-old workers faced the same conditions as adults. CLW urged Pop Mart to take immediate action to rectify these issues and ensure compliance with labour laws. Pop Mart is currently investigating the claims.

BBC News

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