Human Times

UK Edition

22nd September 2025

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THE HOT STORY

AI transforms the recruitment process

AI technology is transforming the recruitment process, with companies like Talentpilot using bots for initial interviews. The company's AI, named Alex, conducts interviews and evaluates candidates based on tailored questions. Tom Zrubecky, Talentpilot's CEO, claims this method can reduce mis-hires by 27%. However, concerns remain about the lack of human intuition in AI interviews. David Morel from Tiger Recruitment warns that AI should supplement, not replace, human judgement in hiring. Meanwhile, applicants are also using companies such as AIApply, which scrapes career sites and applies on a person's behalf. Some job hunters claim to be applying for 100 roles a day with such tools. The Sunday Telegraph suggests that, as Labour’s Employment Rights Bill will make it harder to get rid of staff, companies will naturally seek out ways to ensure they hire the right people.

The Sunday Telegraph

NAVIGATING REDUNDANCY

The four corners of navigating redundancy

Redundancies are never easy, but with the right approach, they don’t have to be disruptive. In today’s fast-changing landscape, knowing how to manage layoffs with care and compliance is more important than ever.
Our people-first infographic offers practical guidance on redundancy alternatives, legal requirements, employee support, and operational steps, helping you lead with confidence and compassion.
Use the infographic to navigate the challenges and protect what matters most.

Download the infographic now

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Diversity at financial services companies has barely changed

Analysis by employment law specialists Fox & Partners reveals women make up 9% of chief executives of financial services companies. Some 19% of the 66,860 senior executives surveyed were women, up just 1 percentage point on last year. The survey comes after the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority this year dropped plans to make banks, insurers and other financial firms report and set diversity targets. Catriona Watt, a partner at Fox & Partners, said: "There is a concern the reversal of many initiatives at financial services businesses in the US could lead to a slowing of investment in programmes in the UK that improve diversity at senior levels within banks and fund managers."

Daily Mail

WORKFORCE

Labour urged to support JLR workers

The Labour Party is being urged to assist workers affected by the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) shutdown following a cyber-attack. Jason Richards, Unite's regional officer for the West Midlands, warned that thousands could face layoffs without intervention. JLR's production has been halted for over two weeks, impacting around 200,000 jobs in the supply chain. Minister for Industry Chris McDonald said cyber experts continued to support JLR to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. "Yesterday I met West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to discuss the effect the shutdown at Jaguar Land Rover is having on the region, and we agreed to keep in close touch while the company works to get production up and running again," he added.

BBC News

Job centres to target sickness claimants

Job centres will now routinely contact sickness benefit claimants as part of a new initiative aimed at reducing the welfare bill. This plan targets 2m individuals who currently have no obligation to seek work. Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, said: "Two million people stuck on benefits with no opportunities . . . is the shocking inheritance we must tackle." The initiative will initially be voluntary, but the government may later require claimants to engage with employment support services. Experts warn that even a £1bn boost for employment support may have limited short-term impact.

The Times

Retail and hospitality groups sound alarm on jobs

UK retailers and restaurants have warned of a job market crisis, with rising applications for fewer vacancies, staff hour cuts, and increased labour costs amid new employment regulations.

Financial Times

LEGAL

LinkedIn to use UK user data for AI

LinkedIn will start using the public profiles, posts, and resumes of UK members to train its generative AI models from 3 November. The updated terms of service confirm that while private messages are excluded, most public data will be included by default. Users can opt out via the 'data for generative AI improvement' setting, but this only applies to future data. Privacy advocates have expressed concern that this approach places the burden of consent on users, underscoring the tension between innovation and privacy in Britain’s regulatory landscape.

City AM

HIRING

MPs to receive spy training from MI5

MPs and peers will receive training from MI5 to identify potential spies from China and Russia. The National Protective Security Authority will advise high-risk individuals to scrutinise their hiring practices and social media usage. The initiative follows the dropping of charges against two men accused of spying under the Official Secrets Act. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressed concern, saying the decision gives Beijing "licence to operate" within Parliament. The men were alleged to have targeted the China Research Group of MPs. He stressed the need for enhanced security measures to protect Parliament from foreign interference.

Daily Mail

INTERNATIONAL

Italy approves comprehensive law regulating AI use

Italy has become the first European Union country to pass a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence. The legislation, which is aligned with the EU's AI Act, aims to ensure "human-centric, transparent and safe AI use." It introduces prison sentences of one to five years for harmful AI-generated content and imposes stricter rules for workplace transparency. Children under 14 will need parental consent to access AI. Alessio Butti, undersecretary for digital transformation, said the law "brings innovation back within the perimeter of the public interest." The government has meanwhile allocated up to €1bn to support AI initiatives.

The Guardian

PwC culls jobs of 60 partners and 1,500 staff in Middle East after Saudi clash

PwC has slashed the jobs of about 60 partners and 1,500 staff from its Middle East business as part of its efforts to deal with a year-long ban on new advisory contracts imposed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). PwC had been working on PIF projects including the $500bn Neom development. However, an unwillingness to take on audit work that would conflict with more lucrative consulting contracts, along with an attempt to hire Neom's chief internal audit officer, created "friction and angst," according to the Financial Times.

Bloomberg

Financial Times

Pressure mounts on chair of Australian retailer

Super Retail chair Judith Swales is under pressure to settle a lawsuit from former employees Rebecca Farrell and Amelia Berczelly. The lawyers are meeting to negotiate a payout after the abrupt termination of chief executive Anthony Heraghty, who was dismissed following unsatisfactory explanations regarding his relationship with a former HR head. The two whistleblowers allege bullying and harassment, claiming Super Retail violated workplace laws. If negotiations fail, the case is set for trial in February. An Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) investigation into the company is also ongoing, as confirmed by an ASIC spokesperson.

The Australian Financial Review

The Australian

German pilots admit to in-flight naps

The German pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has reported that 93% of pilots admitted to falling asleep during flights, with 44% napping regularly. The survey, which included over 900 pilots, highlighted growing concerns about cockpit fatigue amid staffing shortages and tight schedules. VC spokesperson Katharina Dieseldorff said: "A short nap is not critical in itself. But a cabin crew that is permanently exhausted poses a significant risk." The union has called for regulatory reforms to address chronic overwork and improve flight duty oversight, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Jerusalem Post

OTHER

The enduring appeal of workplace television

The FT's Emma Jacobs says television shows about jobs are having a moment - and it's indicative of a so-called “work society” where “work [is] socially rather than just economically compulsory.”

Financial Times

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