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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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Human Times
North America
U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August

The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in August, well above forecasts and marking the strongest monthly gain since March, while July payroll growth was revised up to 21,000 from an initially reported loss of 23,000. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, labor force participation edged up to 61.6%, and average hourly earnings rose 3.1% from a year earlier to $37.75. Hiring was led by food services and drinking places, local government education, construction, manufacturing, and health care, while information-sector employment declined. Despite the stronger headline figures, economists described the labor market as stable rather than accelerating, with job openings little changed and many workers reluctant to switch jobs. The report could give the Federal Reserve more scope to raise interest rates at its September 16th meeting, although policymakers are expected to weigh the upcoming August inflation data before deciding.

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Human Times
UK
Graduate job market faces tough times

Nearly half a million graduates entered the workforce this summer carrying average student debt of £47,730, while graduate vacancies are forecast to fall 7% in 2026. Employers now receive about 140 applications per graduate job, compared with 38 two decades ago, and increasingly use online tests and one-way virtual interviews to manage demand. Graduates describe the process as lengthy, impersonal and uncertain, with 35% believing AI is damaging their career prospects. However, employers including Accenture argue AI could instead shift junior roles towards higher-value work. Raena Connelly, Accenture’s UK and Ireland head of HR, said: “We see AI changing early careers rather than diminishing them.” Universities are also expanding placements, internships and careers support as students increasingly view degrees as routes to employment. Employers continue to emphasise critical thinking, judgment, communication and other human skills, while economic growth remains central to improving graduate opportunities.

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Human Times
Europe
Italy leads EU pay transparency shift

Most EU countries missed the June deadline to implement the Pay Transparency Directive, designed to reduce pay discrimination and improve salary visibility for jobseekers. Italy has emerged as a leading adopter, with the share of job postings containing salary information rising from 26% in July 2025 to 61% in July 2026, overtaking the UK at 60%. Germany and Spain remain far behind at 14% and 18%, respectively, while France stands at 43% and the Netherlands at 49.5%. Italy requires employers to include starting salaries or pay ranges directly in advertisements, going beyond the directive’s baseline requirements. Pawel Adrjan, Indeed’s director of economic research, said the country’s experience suggests “regulation is making a real difference.” Advocates argue broader implementation could help address the EU gender pay gap, which stood at 11.1% in 2024. However, delayed implementation elsewhere means salary transparency remains inconsistent across Europe.

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Human Times
Middle East
Dubai trains firms in agentic AI

More than 14,000 private sector companies in Dubai will receive specialised Agentic AI training through the new Dubai Chambers Academy, as the emirate accelerates business adoption of the technology. The programme will provide practical guidance on using AI agents to improve productivity, operations, decision-making, efficiency and growth, while helping companies identify suitable applications and prepare for AI’s expanding workplace role. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said Agentic AI “can help manage complex tasks, enable more effective decision making, enhance productivity, and create new opportunities for growth.” The wider initiative also includes support for developing and deploying Agentic AI solutions, incubators, knowledge sharing and capacity building. An Executive Committee for Agentic AI has also been established to accelerate adoption and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global digital economy and future industries hub.

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