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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
Walmart shareholders have voted against a proposal from United for Respect that sought a report on the impact of artificial intelligence on employee well-being. Amid increasing competition with Amazon, Walmart is heavily investing in AI and automation to enhance efficiency and fulfillment speed. Employees have raised concerns about AI-driven pressure leading to injuries and burnout. Despite these issues, Walmart maintains that its AI philosophy emphasizes responsible use and human judgment. Additionally, shareholders rejected a proposal regarding the effects of U.S. immigration policy on operations, with Walmart asserting minimal disruption from recent policy changes. As Walmart continues to innovate, the balance between productivity and employee welfare remains a critical conversation.
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Human Times
UK
Permanent hiring has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months, according to research by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Permanent hiring came in at 44.1 in May, the lowest figure since July last year, on an index where a reading below 50 signals contraction. The report shows that companies are increasingly opting for temporary workers due to low confidence in the economy, with the conflict in the Middle East pushing up inflation. Shop worker roles have been particularly affected, with high street businesses hit by higher minimum wage costs, taxes and energy bills. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, said: "The clearest story in the economy right now is momentum being held up by uncertainty." Jon Holt, group chief executive and UK senior partner at KPMG, said: "Ongoing global and domestic uncertainty is making businesses more cautious, and that is increasingly reflected in hiring decisions."
Full Issue
Human Times
Europe
Permanent hiring in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months, according to research by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Permanent hiring came in at 44.1 in May, the lowest figure since July last year, on an index where a reading below 50 signals contraction. The report shows that companies are increasingly opting for temporary workers due to low confidence in the economy, with the conflict in the Middle East pushing up inflation. Shop worker roles have been particularly affected, with high street businesses hit by higher minimum wage costs, taxes and energy bills. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, said: "The clearest story in the economy right now is momentum being held up by uncertainty." Jon Holt, group chief executive and UK senior partner at KPMG, said: "Ongoing global and domestic uncertainty is making businesses more cautious, and that is increasingly reflected in hiring decisions."
Full Issue
Human Times
Middle East
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi recently highlighted the National Skills Platform at the 114th Session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva. He emphasised the role of responsible artificial intelligence in creating a sustainable future of work. Al-Rajhi noted that 2026 is designated as the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance productivity and labour market efficiency. He stated: "The future of work in the age of artificial intelligence will not be determined by technology alone, but by the ability to invest in people." The Kingdom's initiatives include the Wage Protection Program and the Qiwa platform, serving millions of workers.
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