THE HOT STORY

UK's new Employment Rights Act ‘a huge boost for women in the workplace’

Women in the UK will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures being introduced next month, according to research by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) which says approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April. The TUC also notes that over 830,000 low-paid women will gain access to statutory sick pay for the first time. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work . . . That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.” A government spokesperson said: “The Employment Rights Act is a huge boost for women in the workplace – introducing enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers and rights for parental leave from day one.”

The Guardian

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Finns face workplace burnout crisis

According to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, about a quarter of working-age Finns exhibit concerning levels of workplace burnout symptoms. The survey reveals that 40% of respondents are worried about their job futures, with only 16% believing their working conditions will improve. Research professor Jari Hakanen noted that increased workloads, declining resources, and uncertain expectations contribute to these negative sentiments. The survey of 2,143 people also highlighted that remote work has had mixed effects on employee wellbeing, offering flexibility but potentially weakening social networks.

YLE Uutiset

RISK

Europol says Iran crisis raises threat of terror, cyberattacks

Europol has warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict will have "immediate repercussions" for European Union security, leading to an increased threat of terrorism, organised crime, and cyberattacks. Europol spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth said that he anticipates a rise in cyberattacks targeting European infrastructure, alongside sophisticated online fraud driven by artificial intelligence. He observed that groups linked to Iran may engage in "destabilising activities" within the EU, including terrorist attacks. "The level of terrorist threat and violent extremism in EU territory is considered high," he said, noting that the rapid spread of polarising content online could accelerate radicalisation among diaspora communities.

U.S. News

ECONOMY

Eurozone retail sales unexpectedly fell in January

Eurozone retail sales declined 0.1% in January, missing expectations for a 0.3% increase and reversing December’s 0.2% growth, signalling continued fragility in household spending despite improving consumer confidence and record-low unemployment. The drop was driven by weaker sales of non-food goods and automotive fuel, with Germany seeing a 0.9% fall, while France, Spain and Italy recorded increases. Economists warn that rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions could further weigh on consumer sentiment, though consumption is still expected to grow modestly over the year.

Wall Street Journal

REGULATION

Nissan in UK warns over 'Made in Europe' rules

Nissan has alerted ministers over the potential closure of its Sunderland factory if the EU excludes the UK from its 'Made in Europe' rules. These regulations require 70% of new electric vehicle components to be produced in EU countries to qualify for incentives. Nissan expressed concerns that this could disadvantage UK manufacturers, particularly in the corporate fleet market, which constitutes 60% of car sales in Europe. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said he is "gravely concerned" by the UK's potential partial omission from the rules, saying it would put UK manufacturers at a "systemic competitive disadvantage."

Daily Mail

CORPORATE

EssilorLuxottica heir seeks multibillion deal to buy out siblings

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, son of the late Italian billionaire Leonardo Del Vecchio, is close to securing a multibillion-euro deal to buy the stakes of two siblings in the family holding company Delfin, potentially tripling his shareholding to 37.5% and making him the largest shareholder. The move aims to end years of succession disputes that have hindered decision-making and dividend payments at the Luxembourg-based investment group, which holds major stakes in EssilorLuxottica, Generali and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. The proposed leveraged buyout would be financed by bank debt serviced through dividends.

Financial Times

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Overhauled US visa system to get its first major test

The Trump administration's changes to the US visa system for highly skilled immigrants are set to be tested with the upcoming H-1B lottery. This year, sponsors must pay a $100,000 fee, which is expected to disadvantage IT consulting firms that have previously dominated the visa allocation. “This is going to be a bit of a sea change,” observed Peter Bendor-Samuel, the executive chairman of global research firm Everest Group, which works with companies that routinely use the H-1B program. Companies such as Cognizant have already reduced their reliance on H-1Bs, while others are prioritising hiring immigrants already in the US. Hiba Anver, a partner with Erickson Immigration Group, said: “There are several changes that taken collectively will diminish the tech industry's ability to attract and retain key talent . . . [this] will result in a smaller talent pool for tech companies.”

Los Angeles Times

Korea speeds ahead with unstaffed retail

South Korea is rapidly expanding unstaffed and hybrid retail stores. Bakery chain Paris Baguette now operates 17 hybrid stores staffed during the day and not at night, generating over 100,000 won ($67.65) in additional daily revenue on average. Convenience store operators including E-MART24, GS25, and CU have also significantly increased hybrid and unstaffed outlets, driven by rising labour costs, hiring challenges and higher minimum wages. Korea’s high adoption of card and mobile payments, strong late-night foot traffic and growing consumer familiarity with kiosks have supported this shift. Retailers are using unstaffed systems primarily to improve operational efficiency rather than eliminate employees entirely, reallocating workers to tasks such as stocking and cleaning. AI-based payment and vision recognition technologies are also being introduced to streamline store layouts and reduce checkout times.

Chosun Biz

Singapore confronts ‘existential' fertility crisis

Singapore's fertility rate dropped to a record low of 0.87 in 2025. Many young Singaporeans, like 34-year-old Joey Lau, cite high costs, mental health pressures, and climate change as reasons for opting out of having children. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong described the declining birth rate as an "existential challenge." Experts suggest that addressing workplace norms and parenting anxieties is crucial for reversing the trend. But Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah has told parliament that policy measures alone could not change the trajectory of the fertility rate. “What we need is a marriage and parenthood reset,” she said.

South China Morning Post

OTHER

Study links ultra-processed foods to behavioural issues in preschoolers

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that preschool children who consume more ultra-processed foods may be more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems, including anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. Researchers analysing data from nearly 2,100 children in Canada found that every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher problem scores by age five. The findings indicate that replacing even small portions of ultra-processed foods with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables could support healthier emotional and behavioural development in early childhood.

US News and World Report

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