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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
Accenture has started calling its nearly 800,000 employees “reinventors”, as the New York-listed consultancy overhauls itself to adapt to the explosion of artificial intelligence and advises companies adopting the technology. The Guardian notes that Accenture CEO Julie Sweet told investors in September that the firm would “exit” employees who were not getting the hang of using AI at work. The group said it was training staff in generative AI fundamentals, but employees for whom “reskilling, based on our experience, is not a viable path for the skills we need” would have to go.
Full Issue
Human Times
UK
The Department for Business and Trade has outlined proposals that could ban non-compete clauses outright, or introduce a minimum salary threshold or limits on the length of time for which they can apply. In a working paper, published alongside last week’s budget, the government said such clauses "play a part in restricting employee movement, limiting knowledge spillovers and can undermine incentives for innovation." Sinead Casey, partner and head of UK employment at Linklaters, observed: “If changes are to be implemented following the consultation, then a key challenge for the government will be how such change is enforced, bearing in mind the undoubted chilling effect on litigation of non-compete clauses posed by the potential legal cost and risk for individual employees.”
Full Issue
Human Times
Europe
Several German companies are withdrawing from the business association Die Familienunternehmer after its decision to engage with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The association's president, Marie-Christine Ostermann, said that dialogue is essential to challenge the AfD's policies. However, backlash from members has been significant, with companies including Rossmann and Vorwerk announcing their exits from the association. Verdi union leader Frank Werneke has warned of historical parallels, and urged businesses to distance themselves from right-wing extremism.
Full Issue
Human Times
Middle East
Emirati women are making significant contributions to the UAE's economy, leading the Arab world in average weekly working hours at 48.5 hours. They hold 26% of Cabinet positions and represent 71% of the Emirati workforce. The UAE ranks first regionally in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report and the Gender Equality Index by the United Nations Development Programme. Writing for Gulf News, Abdulla AlHammadi notes that the strong participation of women in various sectors reflects their vital role in national development, supported by policies promoting women's empowerment and rights in the workplace.
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