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UK Edition
26th February 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Tax hikes put retail roles at risk
Up to 160,000 part-time shop workers may lose their jobs due to impending tax increases, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The BRC warns that over 10% of part-time roles could be eliminated in the next three years, driven by a £25bn rise in employer National Insurance contributions and a 6.7% increase in the National Living Wage. The Confederation of British Industry, meanwhile, has reported that retailers are cutting back on investments at the fastest rate in nearly six years, further exacerbating job security concerns. Separate CBI survey data reveals that more retailers expect to cut back on investment over the next 12 months than at any point since May 2019. Martin Sartorius, an economist at the CBI, said: "Persistently weak demand conditions and the impact of the autumn Budget have dampened retailers' sentiment. Businesses need a boost in confidence after a tough period that has seen their overheads increase and headroom for investment squeezed."
TECHNOLOGY
Universities urged to stress test exams
Research from the Higher Education Policy Institute reveals a dramatic rise in the use of artificial intelligence among students, with 92% reporting usage, up from 66% last year. The report, based on a survey of 1,041 students, highlights that nearly two-thirds now use ChatGPT for generating text, a significant increase from less than a third. Josh Freeman, policy manager and author of the report, noted: "It is almost unheard of to see changes in behaviour as large as this in just 12 months." While students appreciate the benefits of AI for saving time and enhancing quality, concerns about cheating and misinformation persist. The report recommends that universities "stress test" assessments to ensure they cannot be easily completed using AI, advocating for a balanced policy that fosters AI skill development while addressing associated risks.
LEGAL
Foxtons accused of toxic workplace culture
London estate agency Foxtons is facing allegations from current and former employees of fostering a workplace culture rife with sexual harassment, antisemitism, racism, and bullying. Some staff members reported incidents of sexual and racial harassment, claiming that complaints to management and HR were met with indifference or dismissal. In response, Foxtons said that it takes such allegations seriously, and urges employees to use its confidential whistleblowing process for thorough investigations. The company highlighted measures taken to improve workplace culture, including removing alcohol from Friday meetings since July 2023 and implementing mandatory annual training on respectful workplace behaviour.
Dismissed 'for supporting Reform UK'
Saba Poursaeedi claims he was dismissed from his £39,000-a-year position at Hightown Housing Association after revealing his support for Reform UK. Despite passing his probation with “glowing” reviews, Poursaeedi says he was informed that his job had been “withdrawn” due to a perceived conflict of interest related to his political activities. Hightown's director, Natalie Sturrock, argued that Poursaeedi's political stance contradicted the organisation's values, particularly regarding immigration and environmental policies. Poursaeedi expressed his willingness to dissociate from Reform UK to retain his job, saying: “I even offered to resign from [the party].” He is now pursuing legal action against Hightown, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 23.
Health board may have broken law in trans changing room row
NHS Fife is under scrutiny for not conducting an impact assessment when allowing a trans doctor, Dr Beth Upton, to use a female changing room. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reminded the health board of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010, saying that it has a "duty to assess and review proposed new or revised policies or practices." Sandie Peggie, a nurse, faces disciplinary action after objecting to Dr Upton's presence in the female changing room. Margaret Gribbon, Peggie's solicitor, confirmed that NHS Fife did not carry out any Equality Impact Assessments before the decision, raising concerns about compliance with legal duties. Dr Michael Foran, a public law lecturer, described the situation as "very serious indeed," highlighting the board's consistent failure to meet its legal obligations.
Employers could be breaking law over interns
Experts warn that arts employers may be violating the law by using unpaid interns for roles that should be filled by paid workers. Sara Whybrew, director of skills and workforce development at the British Film Institute, said: "The law is clear on what makes someone a worker." Emma Gross, an employment solicitor at Spencer West, emphasised the need for clearer legal definitions and stricter penalties for misclassification of interns. The Institute for Public Policy Research estimates that unpaid internships in London could cost individuals up to £6,300 over six months.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Apple boss says its DEI programmes may change
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said the company may have to change its diversity practices as the US legal landscape shifts. His comments came just minutes after a majority of shareholders rejected a proposal calling on the tech giant to consider ending its diversity policies. Despite the vote, Cook acknowledged that the firm may have to alter some of its practices. "As the legal landscape around this issue evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply, but our north star of dignity and respect for everyone and our work to that end will never waver," Cook said during a question-and-answer session at the company's annual shareholder meeting. He said Apple did not use "quotas" for hiring - a practice that has come in for fierce criticism - and the company's strength came from a culture where "people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together."
WORKFORCE
Gen X least confident over retirement savings
Members of Generation X (generally defined as people born between 1965 and 1980) are the least likely to feel confident about their retirement savings, according to a survey. The poll, for Annuity Ready, a lifetime annuity comparison service within the Legal & General Group, found that just 28% of this demographic believe they are on track for a comfortable retirement. This compares to 50% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennials, as well as 37% of Baby Boomers. The study also shows a shift away from salary-based pensions, with 65% of Gen X saying a final salary pension scheme is no longer available to them as a savings option even though 45% said it was when they first started working. Analysis also shows that 17% of Generation X are worried about never being able to fully retire.
Civil servants warned over credit card abuse
Civil servants have been told that they will face disciplinary action if officials discover abuse of government credit cards. In a letter to Whitehall departments, Cat Little, Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary and the chief operating officer of the Civil Service, said she had been “concerned to see examples of expenditure using these purchasing cards, which on the face of it look difficult to justify based on our approved guidelines.” Calling for a “more stringent approach” to controlling spending on cards, Little has told officials to conduct a “rapid review” of all the cards in their department. She added: “Public trust in government is hard won and easily lost, and our fiduciary duty in managing taxpayers’ money is a core element of this trust.”
HIRING
Graduate visa changes on the horizon
The government is contemplating new immigration rules that would require foreign graduates to secure a highly-skilled job to remain in the country. Currently, international students can stay for up to two years post-study without employment. Brian Bell, chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee, suggested that a graduate salary threshold could be set between £36,000 and £40,000 annually. The proposed changes are part of a white paper on immigration expected in the spring.
INTERNATIONAL
Federal workers sue over Musk threat to fire them
Attorneys for federal workers in the US claim that Elon Musk violated the law with his demand for employees to report their weekly accomplishments or face termination. The lawsuit aims to halt mass layoffs linked to Musk's and President Trump's directives, which included an email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requiring employees to submit five bullet points detailing their work last week. “No OPM rule, regulation, policy, or program has ever, in United States history, purported to require all federal workers to submit reports to OPM,” said the complaint, which was filed on behalf of unions, businesses veterans, and conservation groups. It described the threat of mass firings as “one of the most massive employment frauds in the history of this country.”
Singapore's DBS to cut 4,000 roles as AI replaces humans
DBS, the largest bank in Singapore, says it expects to cut 4,000 roles over the next three years as artificial intelligence takes on more of the work currently done by humans. "The reduction in workforce will come from natural attrition as temporary and contract roles roll off over the next few years," a DBS spokesperson said. Permanent staff are not expected to be affected by the cuts. Outgoing DBS chief executive Piyush Gupta also said the bank expects to create around 1,000 new AI-related jobs. DBS did not say how many jobs would be cut in Singapore or which roles would be affected. The bank currently has between 8,000 and 9,000 temporary and contract workers and employs a total of around 41,000 people.
OTHER
France's parliament votes to limit use of 'forever chemicals'
France's lower-house National Assembly has voted to limit the sale and production of some items containing so-called "forever chemicals," including cosmetics and most clothing. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used since the 1940s in the mass production of waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick objects including frying pans, umbrellas, carpets, and dental floss. PFAS take an extremely long time to break down, seeping into the soil and groundwater, and from there into the food chain and drinking water.  The bill seeks to prevent the production, import or sale from January 2026 of any product for which an alternative to PFAS already exists.
 


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