THE HOT STORY

U.S. workers hit by slowing income growth

Real income growth has slowed to near-decade lows, with young people being hit the hardest, according to a report from JPMorgan Chase Institute. George Eckerd, research director at the institute and a co-author of the report, told the Financial Times: “We’re looking at a level of year-on-year growth that’s actually similar to [the 2010s] when the labor market was a lot weaker and the unemployment rate was higher.”

Axios

Financial Times

STRATEGY

Companies around the globe ramp up job cuts

A Reuters tally illustrates how companies worldwide, including Amazon, Target and Nestle, have ramped up job cuts, as they rein in spending amid dimming consumer sentiment and as AI-focused tech companies start to replace roles with automation. Cuts like those at Amazon "tell me the economy is slowing down, not getting stronger. You don't have mass layoffs when the economy is strong," said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of 50 Park Investments in New York.

Reuters

LEGAL

Citi probe did not interview women who complained about executive’s conduct

A Citigroup investigation into complaints about the conduct of top executive Andy Sieg was completed without interviewing some of the most high-profile employees who departed after expressing concerns about him.

Financial Times

REGULATION

Trump says he is still considering Bessent for Fed chair

President Trump has said he is “thinking” of picking Scott Bessent to be the Federal Reserve’s next chair, even though the Treasury secretary has ruled himself out. “I’m thinking about him for the Fed,” Trump said of Bessent. “But he won’t take the job. He likes being Treasury. So we’re not thinking about him really.” Bessent is leading the search for the next chair of the Fed.

Barron's

Financial Times

HIRING

Law firms are aggressively growing their litigation rosters

Four of the largest and most profitable law firms - Kirkland & Ellis, Paul Weiss, Davis Polk, and Paul Hastings - have increased their litigation headcount by at least 22% since the beginning of last year. Bloomberg Law observes that the numbers build on industry reports which show that litigation, not M&A or other deals work, is the most powerful source of demand growth for firms since at least 2023.

Bloomberg Law

CORPORATE

M&A activity on the rise

Global M&A activity rose by 10% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching a total of $1.938trn, according to a report by the Boston Consulting Group. Despite challenges from geopolitical tensions and U.S. tariff policies, dealmakers have continued to pursue strategic opportunities, although the figures remain over 40% below the highs seen in 2021. Notably, North America accounted for more than 60% of the activity, while Europe experienced a 5% decline, particularly in the U.K., which saw M&A value drop by 35%.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Peers defy U.K. government on workers' rights

The House of Lords has resisted reforms to the Employment Rights Bill, resulting in multiple defeats for the U.K. government. Peers inflicted defeats on zero-hours contracts, unfair dismissal claims from day one, industrial action ballot thresholds and union members paying a political levy. Moving the zero hours amendment, Lib Dem Lord Fox said: "We share ministers' aims on making sure that every employee has the right to guaranteed hours moving from zero-hours, guaranteed hours." But he added: "For the smaller and medium-sized employer it is an added burden that doesn't need to be there if the employee does not wish to leave zero hours."

Sky News

Youth wage debate heats up in Australia

Employer groups in Australia warn of rising youth unemployment if the Fair Work Commission approves equal wages for 18 to 20-year-olds in retail and fast food. The Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Union argues for equal pay, likening it to the fight for gender equality. Currently, youth wages are significantly lower than adult rates, with 18-year-olds earning 70% of the adult rate. Critics fear that raising these rates could harm job opportunities for young Australians, especially in regional areas.

West Australian

China will ‘save’ European auto jobs but devour rivals, warns ex-Stellantis chief

Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has told the Financial Times that Chinese carmakers are making inroads in Europe as local companies struggle with stringent emissions rules and shifting policy on electrification.

Financial Times

OTHER

Access to after school programs worsens

A new Afterschool Alliance report highlights growing disparities in access to after school and summer programs, especially for low-income and minority families. About 77% of parents wanting after school care can’t secure it, mainly due to cost, availability, and transport. Federal funding cuts threaten to worsen the situation. “When families can’t access afterschool programs, we all pay a price,” wrote Executive Director Jodi Grant. The report noted that high-income families outspend low-income ones 9-to-1. States like D.C., Hawaii, and California lead in access, but 27 states still lack dedicated funding streams.

The 74 (Online)

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe