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European Edition
22nd December 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Chinese exports 'threaten jobs in Europe'

Between 2015 and 2022, increased Chinese exports led to the loss of 240,000 industrial jobs in the EU, according to the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland. The federation warns that further job losses are likely, particularly in high-value sectors such as automotive and chemicals. Chief economist Sampo Pehkonen said China's industrial dominance stems from its state-support policies, contrasting with the EU's lower corporate subsidies. The federation is urging the EU to improve industry conditions to protect remaining jobs, emphasising the need to avoid additional regulations and tax increases that could hinder production.
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WORKFORCE

Louvre reopens fully after staff vote to suspend strike

The Louvre reopened on Friday after museum staff voted against continuing their strike over working conditions. Union leaders said staff had voted against another day of stoppages but warned of future industrial action because of "insufficient progress" in talks with management and the culture ministry. 
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STRATEGY

UBS plans January job cuts

UBS Group plans to initiate job cuts globally starting mid-January 2024, with further reductions expected in 2026. The bank is finalising its integration of Credit Suisse, which it acquired in 2023, resulting in a workforce reduction of approximately 15,000 from a peak of 120,000. UBS aims to cut around 3,000 jobs in Switzerland and will also reassign staff from eliminated roles. A spokesperson noted that many reductions will occur over several years, including early retirements and unfilled vacancies.
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TECHNOLOGY

AI likely to displace jobs, Bank of England governor says

The governor of the Bank of England has said that the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is "likely" to displace people from jobs in a similar way to that seen during the Industrial Revolution. Andrew Bailey said the UK needed to have the "training, education, [and] skills in place" so workers could shift into jobs that use AI. He told the BBC that people looking for a job would find securing employment "a lot easier" if they had such skills. However, Bailey warned that there was an issue with younger, inexperienced professionals finding it difficult to secure entry-level roles due to AI.
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LEGAL

Cross-border workers win family allowance case

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled in favour of cross-border families in their dispute over child benefits with Luxembourg's Children's Future Fund (Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants, CAE). The court's decision allows cross-border workers who are stepparents or guardians to claim family allowances for non-biological children living with them. The ruling resolves a long-standing issue whereby the families have been denied benefits following the introduction of a law in 2016. Pascal Peuvrel, a lawyer for the families, noted the lack of explanation for the previous restrictions. The ruling clarifies that a family community exists when a non-biological child resides with a cross-border worker.

Austria rules against Meta

Austria’s Supreme Court has said that Meta’s personalised advertising model breaches the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in a ruling which forces the company to overhaul how it handles user data across the bloc. Under the ruling, Meta must give users full access to all personal data it holds within 14 days of a request. The court found that Meta collected user data from third-party apps and websites and processed sensitive information without "specific, informed, unambiguous and freely given" consent for personalised advertising. "[The ruling] is enforceable throughout the EU by the plaintiff, meaning that, depending on the country of enforcement, non-compliance could result in daily fines or even a prison sentence for the relevant decision-makers at Meta," privacy advocacy group noyb told Reuters.

AI employment law firm negotiates £30k settlement for client

An unnamed healthcare worker has made history by winning a legal battle in the UK with the help of Grapple Law, an AI-operated legal practice. After being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan, she sought assistance from the AI firm due to financial constraints. Within weeks, she secured £30,000 (€34,000) without needing a tribunal or human lawyer, saying: "The AI helped me understand I had a strong case." Grapple Law founder Alex Monaco described it as “the first time in the UK – and potentially worldwide – that an AI has negotiated a settlement on behalf of an individual.”
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LEADERSHIP

BP replaces CEO after less than two years in the role

BP chief executive Murray Auchincloss is being replaced after less than two years in the role. The oil and gas company has appointed Woodside Energy boss Meg O’Neill as his successor. O'Neill will be BP’s first female chief executive, and the first woman to head any of the world’s top five oil companies. Her appointment also marks the first time that BP has made an external hire to the top job at the company.
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INTERNATIONAL

US accused of using illegal workers in South Africa

South Africa has accused the United States of using Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility processing applications by white South Africans for refugee status. A statement from South Africa's department of home affairs said seven Kenyans were arrested and would be deported after intelligence reports indicated that people "had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had illegally taken up work" at the centre. The seven Kenyans will not be allowed to return to South Africa for five years, South African law enforcement officials said. Washington has accused South Africa of "interference" in its efforts to offer asylum status to Afrikaners, who it says face persecution. South Africa's government has rejected the claims.

Argentine unions protest against labour reform

Argentina's General Confederation of Labor (CGT) organised a massive demonstration in Buenos Aires on Thursday against a proposed labour reform bill by President Javier Milei. The bill aims to limit the right to strike and alter employee working hours and severance pay. Jorge Sola, a leader of CGT, said: "We don't want fewer rights, we want more work, more dignity."

Singapore extends part-time re-employment grant

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced that it will extend the Part-Time Re-employment Grant (PTRG) until Dec 31, 2027, due to ongoing demand. The grant, which was introduced in 2020, aims to support employers in hiring senior workers aged 60 and above. MOM said: "Since its introduction in 2020, the take-up of the PTRG has been encouraging." Over 7,500 employers have used the grant, benefiting more than 65,000 senior workers, with over $92m disbursed since its inception. Companies registered in Singapore can apply for the grant.
 
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