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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
U.S. job openings increased in January while layoffs fell, suggesting labor demand improved at the start of the year even as broader signs point to a weakening job market. According to the Labor Department's latest JOLTS report, available positions rose to 6.95m from 6.55m in December, exceeding economists’ expectations, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Layoffs declined to 1.63m, while the hiring rate remained unchanged. Gains in job openings were seen across several industries, including finance, health care, retail, and hospitality, with manufacturing openings reaching their highest level since mid-2024. Despite the rise in vacancies, hiring remained subdued and the number of unemployed people continued to exceed available jobs, indicating a relatively fragile labor market and supporting the Federal Reserve’s view that employment conditions are not currently fueling inflation.
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Human Times
UK
Companies are to be paid grants to hire more young people under new government proposals to tackle youth unemployment. Ministers want to create 200,000 jobs and are pledging £1bn in funding for several initiatives. Businesses will receive £3,000 for every person between the ages 18 and 24 that they employ who has been searching for a job for six months or more, while small and medium firms will be paid £2,000 for every new apprentice they take on. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is set to announce the Youth Jobs Grant today. Some 60,000 people are expected to be supported by the proposals. McFadden said the new measures would giving "life-changing opportunities to young people" that will "significantly reverse the increase we inherited in those not in education, employment or training." He added: "We are focusing funding where it's needed most and giving employers the flexibility and support they've asked for."
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Human Times
Europe
Hybrid working has become a standard expectation among employees, according to the latest Benefits Guide from Morgan McKinley. The report reveals that nearly 30% of employees consider hybrid working one of their top benefits. While pensions, bonuses, and health insurance remain prevalent, 68% of employees say benefits impact their loyalty, yet 38% feel their packages fall short of market standards. Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director at Morgan McKinley, noted: "Many employers believe they are offering competitive benefits, but a substantial share of employees do not experience those benefits in the same way." The study surveyed 1,222 responses across Irish and multinational organisations.
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Human Times
Middle East
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted a "rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate" during the International Day to Combat Islamophobia event in New York. He urged governments, tech companies, and individuals to combat discrimination and protect human rights. Guterres noted that nearly 2bn Muslims face exclusion and violence, both online and offline, saying: “When discriminatory narratives are echoed by those in positions of authority, prejudice becomes normalised . . . When stereotypes are left unchallenged, they harden into policy.” He added: “As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world reaffirm values that also form the foundation of the UN Charter: empathy for the vulnerable, generosity toward neighbours, and responsibility toward the wider community.”
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