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Human Times helps you stay ahead of the latest news and trends that impact the HR industry. Every weekday, our unique blend of AI and team of expert HR and employment editors and researchers monitor 100,000s of articles, and social posts to create summaries of the most relevant and useful content to help you lead, innovate and grow. The award winning Human Times newsletter has four geographical editions with news tailored to your region.

From HR leadership to diversity and inclusion, hybrid working, organisational data, performance management, and retention strategies, Human Times is the only trusted free online news source dedicated to covering the most up to date headlines, articles, reports and interviews to make sure you’re abreast of changes in the HR industry.

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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
Federal judge strikes down Trump administration's bid to slash FEMA's workforce

A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to reduce the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) workforce by 50%, saying that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) overstepped its legal authority. The ruling is a significant win for labor groups that argued the cuts violated protections meant to ensure FEMA's independence. Although the cuts were not implemented, the agency has faced significant staff departures, with over 4,300 employees leaving in the 2025 budget year. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston observed: “Frankly, the FEMA staffing plan number appears as if pulled from thin air.” FEMA responded in a statement late Saturday, saying: “DHS and FEMA are ready for the 2026 hurricane season . . . We're ensuring workforce stability and a strong, deployable force for upcoming national events and potential disasters; making the agency leaner, faster and laser-focused on supporting state, local, tribal and territorial partners before, during and after disasters . . . FEMA continues to maintain a roster of experienced leadership and support staff across headquarters and regional offices.”

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Human Times
UK
Government rethinks youth minimum wage rise

The government is reconsidering planned minimum wage increases for young workers due to concerns about rising employment costs. Ministers are examining whether the rapid wage hikes have contributed to the youth jobs crisis: nearly 1m 16 to 24-year-olds are neither working nor studying. A government spokesperson explained that while they remain committed to closing the wage gap, they have asked the Low Pay Commission to consider employment opportunities in future recommendations. Alan Milburn, who is leading a review into youth worklessness, has suggested that slowing wage increases may help persuade companies to hire young people more readily.

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Human Times
Europe
Older UK employees hang on for longer

Employment rates for Britons aged 65 and over are at a record high, as longer life expectancy, improved health, the rise in flexible working since the pandemic and cost-of-living pressures all combine to encourage a delay to retirement. The number of Britons in this group topped 1.7m earlier this year - at a time when youth joblessness is close to its highest rate in more than a decade, with almost a million 16-24 year-olds out of work or education. Baby-boomer workers postponing retirement is having a “knock-on effect” on how many jobs are being created for young people, and the UK is contending with what the Bank of England calls a “low hire, low fire” labour market which helps to exclude youth. Meanwhile, AI is viewed to be of most benefit to the older generation. “We have a number of clients who’ve actually approached us saying, ‘we just want to get rid of some junior staff and replace them with AIs’,” says Alessandro De Arcangelis, senior research and policy analyst at law firm Lewis Silkin. “There is more pressure to rely on more senior workers.”

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Human Times
Middle East
Emerging markets weigh AI's risks and opportunities

Qatar National Bank (QNB) has underscored the dual nature of AI for emerging markets in its weekly commentary. While the technology presents opportunities for growth and productivity, it also poses risks of economic divergence. QNB emphasised the need for decisive action in building digital infrastructure, developing data ecosystems, and investing in skills. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that 40% of jobs in these markets are at risk due to AI, particularly in sectors reliant on manual tasks.

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