THE HOT STORY

Saudi employment contracts compliance target rises on Qiwa platform

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has updated compliance requirements for employment contracts via the Qiwa platform. The compliance target will rise to 85% by April 30, with a further increase to 90% by June 30. This rate is determined by comparing documented contracts to the total number of employee contracts at each establishment. The ministry emphasised the importance of reviewing undocumented contracts to ensure compliance and avoid service disruptions. "The update is part of the ministry's efforts to strengthen compliance with labour regulations," the ministry said.

Saudi Gazette

Arab News

WORKFORCE

Long Covid to cost up to $135bn a year over the next decade

Research suggests long Covid is likely to cost up to $135bn a year across OECD economies over the next decade. Direct healthcare costs combined with the wider effect of people leaving the workforce and lower productivity will have a lasting impact, the global forum said. The OECD found that only six countries have formal pathways for treating the illness. Some people are left unable to work, require changes to their jobs or become less productive.

Bloomberg

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Qatar launches ‘Legal Path to Labour Market'

Qatar has launched the “Legal Path to the Labour Market 2026” initiative to prepare Qatari legal graduates for the workforce. The programme aims to enhance employability through practical training and mentorship. Dr. Abdullah Hamad Al Khaldi, Director of the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, emphasised the initiative's importance in building a skilled legal workforce.

The Peninsula

LEGAL

Dubai sees growth in international legal consultancy firms

The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department has reported a 2.3% increase in licensed international legal consultancy firms, reaching 86 by March 2026. The first quarter saw 89 new registrations, bringing the total to 3,433 legal consultants across 139 firms. International firms now represent 61.8% of all licensed firms, highlighting Dubai's appeal for global legal expertise. Dr. Lowai Mohamed Belhoul, Director-General, said: "The sustained growth reflects Dubai's dynamic investment environment." The Department aims to enhance competitiveness through legislative agility and digitalisation of services.

Zawya EN

TECHNOLOGY

AI firms seek to reassure

As public concern about artificial intelligence grows, leading companies are shifting from hype to reassurance. OpenAI has floated policy ideas such as a four-day workweek and a public wealth fund, while Anthropic is building partnerships, tools, and training programs to help industries adapt rather than resist disruption. Both companies are also working with consultants and private equity-backed businesses to manage AI-driven change. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, said: “We do feel an urgency to this conversation,” as he highlighted the industry’s effort to address fears around jobs, inequality, and social disruption.

Wall Street Journal

INTERNATIONAL

Germany's Merz says most Syrian immigrants should return home

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that he and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa aim for 80% of the Syrian diaspora in Germany to return home within three years. The stated agreement follows Sharaa's first presidential visit to Germany, where he discussed a "circular" migration model to allow Syrians to contribute to their homeland's reconstruction. But rights campaigners have criticised Sharaa's Germany visit, pointing to his Islamist past and ongoing violence and instability in Syria.

France 24

Singapore government offices told to restrict use of air-conditioning

Government offices in Singapore are being told to reduce electricity consumption in a bid to boost the nation’s energy resilience. Measures highlighted by the National Environment Agency include managing operating times and settings for air-conditioning, and turning off non-essential equipment when not in use. Singapore is just one of many countries which is taking steps to save energy as the conflict in the Middle East tightens global supplies. South Korea is considering curbs on driving to ameliorate the impact of the conflict, while government facilities in the Philippines have shortened their work week to save energy.

Bloomberg

Kmart faces class action over alleged systemic wage underpayment

A class action has been filed against Kmart in Australia’s Federal Court, alleging the retailer systematically underpaid salaried store managers over the past six years by failing to comply with workplace laws and industry awards. The claim alleges managers were required to work significantly beyond rostered hours -sometimes up to 60 hours per week - without receiving overtime, penalty rates, or allowances, and were often expected to perform unpaid work outside shifts and during breaks. The case, which focuses on salaried managers rather than hourly staff, follows similar legal actions against major retailers and raises concerns over the use of annualized salaries without proper reconciliation to actual hours worked.

ABC News

Tips to city hotline uncover employees sleeping on shift

Ottawa Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon's latest report on the city's fraud and waste hotline identifies 57 substantiated cases of employee misconduct last year. Reported issues included sleeping on the job, taking city vehicles for personal use, and excessive overtime. One employee improperly included a relative in a hiring pool, violating city policy. Five employees were terminated, while others faced suspensions or letters of reprimand. City manager Wendy Stephanson said the cases represent a small sliver of the workforce. "It's not widespread. I want to be clear about that," she said. "These are very few and far between. I think what this tells us is that fraud and waste reporting works."

CBC

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe