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European Edition
22nd October 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Gabes workers strike over health crisis

A general strike and massive protest shut down Gabes, Tunisia, as residents demanded the closure of a state-run CGT phosphate plant linked to widespread pollution and rising health issues. The powerful UGTT union organized the strike, with demonstrators calling for an end to what they labeled "environmental assassination." President Kais Saied blamed past governments for environmental damage, but protesters criticized his inaction. Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani proposed a cancer hospital without setting a timeline. A recent audit revealed major environmental violations, with the plant discharging 14,000–15,000 tons of toxic waste daily into the sea.
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TALENT STRATEGY

11 Questions Every HR Pro Needs

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WORKFORCE

Public sector strike looms large in Portugal

Portugal's Common Front Union predicts a significant strike by public administration workers on Friday, protesting against government policies that they claim degrade work and public services. Sebastião Santana, the union's coordinator, stated: "It will be a big strike" that could disrupt schools and health services. He emphasised that the government must reconsider its budget priorities, particularly regarding the proposed 15% wage increase. Santana also condemned the government's focus on defence spending over health, calling the labour reform package "shameful" and detrimental to public services.

UK targets lawyers, GPs and accountants with tax raid

The UK Chancellor is expected to use the Budget to impose a new charge on people who use limited liability partnerships, such as lawyers, family doctors and accountants, as she seeks to address a £30bn gap in public finances. Partners are treated as self-employed, so they are not subject to employer’s national insurance, which is levied at 15% and they also pay a lower rate of employee national insurance – a situation Rachel Reeves reportedly considers unfair. A solicitor in a partnership earning the average £316,000 would face a charge of £23,000 under proposals drawn up by economists, equivalent to an average tax rate of 7.3%. Commenting on the proposals, Arun Advani, the director of CenTax, said: "Exempting partners from any equivalent to employer NICs is very regressive and simply means higher taxes for everyone else."

Latvian health union challenges minister

The Latvian Health and Social Care Workers’ Trade Union (LVSADA) has declared no confidence in Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri and the Ministry of Health, citing unmet wage demands and insufficient funding. Union leader Valdis Keris said the final course of action will be determined after a council meeting on December 16. LVSADA demands a 13.5% salary increase for medical staff and €120 more for non-medical staff starting January 2026—requiring €133m. The ministry’s counter-proposal to delay pay negotiations until the 2027 budget process was rejected. "At the moment, there is still a bit of information missing," said Keris, noting future union actions will depend on budget outcomes.

Poles embrace retirement savings surge

Fewer Poles are anxious about retirement, with a survey by ING Bank Śląski revealing a drop from 42% in 2022 to 33% in 2025. The number of individuals saving for retirement has increased to 47%, up from 39% in 2024. Key concerns include health (55%) and financial stability (50%), while many look forward to more free time (43%). Awareness of retirement savings tools has risen, yet 55% have not checked their projected pension. "The increase in savings reflects a positive shift in mindset," said an ING representative.

Bosch cuts 170 jobs in Romania

Bosch plans to lay off 170 employees at its factory in Jucu, Cluj county, as reported by Hacking Work. The facility currently employs around 3,300 people and produces electronic control units for driving assistance and traffic safety. The decision reflects ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector. A spokesperson for Bosch said: "We are committed to supporting affected employees during this transition." The layoffs highlight the impact of economic pressures on the workforce in Romania.

Reservist applications soar in Netherlands

The Netherlands' defence ministry reported a significant increase in applications for reservist training, with 4,100 applicants this year alone, surpassing the total for 2024. The ministry aims to raise the number of part-time soldiers from 8,300 to 20,000 by 2030. This surge follows increased military investment since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Employers are encouraged to support reservist roles, with some sectors already integrating reservist agreements into collective labour agreements.
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REMUNERATION

Union demands pay protection for workers

A German labour union, Verdi, has urged the government to compensate workers at US military bases in Germany for potential salary delays caused by the US government shutdown. Approximately 12,000 civilian employees could be impacted. Verdi deputy leader Christine Behle stated: "Salary interruptions due to budget disputes are not permissible under German law." The German finance ministry is currently monitoring the situation, noting that past shutdowns did not disrupt pay for these employees. The US army and embassy in Germany have not yet commented on the matter.
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PRODUCTIVITY

Malta's work week: time for change

Malta faces a critical decision regarding its working week structure, which remains rooted in outdated traditions. The country must consider adopting a four-day work week to enhance productivity and worker well-being. The General Workers' Union advocates for a genuine thirty-two-hour model, contrasting with existing practices that maintain forty-hour weeks. The success of similar trials in Europe, such as those in Iceland and the UK, highlights the potential benefits. However, Malta must address the complexities of aligning school schedules and government practices to ensure a cohesive transition. "Malta can explore adjusted schedules," said the report, emphasising the need for comprehensive reform.

Robotic dogs join PostNL delivery team

PostNL has initiated a trial involving robotic dogs and a humanoid robot to assist delivery workers. The humanoid robot, still in development, aims to restock parcel lockers. A spokesperson noted: "By experimenting with robotics now, we gain insight into how technology can assist our delivery workers." The robotic dog is designed to carry packages up stairs, enhancing delivery efficiency. PostNL emphasises that these robots are meant to support, not replace, human workers. The trials are conducted in Leerdam in collaboration with Smartrobot Solutions, as part of PostNL's ongoing innovation in logistics.
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HIRING

Andalusia's health system gets major boost

President Juanma Moreno announced a record budget of almost €51.6bn for Andalusia in 2026, with a significant portion dedicated to public health. The plan includes hiring 4,370 new healthcare professionals, including 1,200 doctors, with over half expected to start by year-end. Moreno said: "We want to continue moving towards the best possible healthcare." The budget also supports a comprehensive cancer screening initiative and aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, Moreno highlighted Andalucía's leadership in renewable energy and ongoing projects to create 21,000 jobs in green sectors.
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ENTREPRENEURS

Dutch entrepreneurs fear elections will hurt business

Nearly 20% of entrepreneurs in the Netherlands anticipate negative effects from upcoming elections, according to ING's research involving over 500 self-employed professionals and small businesses. Arjen Hoekstra, director of small business at ING, noted: "Entrepreneurs want to move forward, but feel held back by political uncertainty." While most self-employed individuals rate their financial health positively, there is growing pessimism and declining satisfaction regarding financial reserves. Only 42% are building a pension, and just 25% have disability insurance, primarily due to high costs. Sustainability investments are also lower among self-employed workers compared to SMEs.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Novo Nordisk shakes up leadership

Novo Nordisk announced an extraordinary general meeting on November 14th to elect new board members, including a new chair. This decision follows a disagreement with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the majority shareholder. Board chair Helge Lund said: "The board concluded that it is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders to convene an extraordinary general meeting." The company recently laid off 9,000 employees, including 5,000 in Denmark, to save 8bn kroner amid rising competition in the anti-obesity market. Novo has also lowered its earnings forecast three times this year.
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INTERNATIONAL

JPMorgan unveils $3bn HQ

JPMorgan Chase has opened its new $3bn headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, designed to accommodate 10,000 workers. David Arena, head of global corporate real estate, said: "We tried to future-proof the building." The tower features modern amenities, including biometric access, a building app, and a drone port. CEO Jamie Dimon emphasised the importance of the office environment for recruitment, saying: "A workplace needs to be a destination." The project recycled 97% of materials from the old building and is expected to enhance the bank's appeal to talent.
 
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