Human Times

European Edition

21st January 2026

THE HOT STORY

Many companies struggle to unlock benefits from AI

A PwC poll of more than 4,000 chief executives from 95 countries indicates that just over a quarter (26%) of firms have managed to drive down costs following investment in artificial intelligence, while 30% have boosted their revenue as a result of spending on the technology. More than half (56%) of the CEOs surveyed said AI hasn't produced revenue or cost benefits for their businesses to date. "A small group of companies are already turning AI into measurable financial returns, while many others are still struggling to move beyond pilots," said Mohamed Kande, PwC's global chairman. "That gap is starting to show up in confidence and competitiveness - and it will widen quickly for those that don't act."

Financial Times

Business Insider

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STRATEGY

Capgemini plans to cut up to 2,400 French jobs

IT services group Capgemini plans to cut up to 2,400 jobs in France, or about 6% of its local workforce. The plan will proceed only on a voluntary basis and is subject to negotiations with unions, Capgemini said. The company said it would offer offer internal retraining programmes for workers in units affected by shifting client demand.

Reuters

LEGAL

Fired Moët Hennessy worker acquitted of defamation

Maria Gasparovic, a fired Moët Hennessy employee who wrote on social media alleging discrimination and mismanagement at the LVMH-owned drinks business, has been acquitted of defamation in a Paris court.

Financial Times

HYBRID WORKING

Many Dutch employers still don't have formal hybrid working agreements

The Netherlands leads Europe with around 5m hybrid workers, yet many employers lack formal agreements for remote work. A study by employment lawyer Niels van der Neut and economist Weteke Conen reveals that nearly half of hybrid employees still operate under informal arrangements. Van der Neut, referencing concerns about issues including ergonomics and work-life balance, said: "If no measures are taken to address this, there's a greater risk of burnout." Dutch employers nevertheless remain committed to hybrid work, believing it enhances productivity and motivation.

NL Times

WORKFORCE

Reeves plans to refund some visa fees

The UK's finance minister will announce changes at the World Economic Forum in Davos to attract skilled workers. Rachel Reeves plans to refund visa fees for global businesses and expedite the sponsorship process for migrant workers. Reeves said: "Some countries give you a platform, but Britain gives you momentum."

The Guardian

HEALTH & SAFETY

Greece announces emergency measures to protect workers

Greece's Ministry of Labour and Social Security has implemented emergency measures to safeguard private sector workers from severe weather expected today. A circular issued on January 20 mandates a suspension of outdoor manual work in affected areas, with specific timeframes for different regions. Essential services are exempt but must ensure safety protocols. Non-compliance will result in a €2,000 fine per affected employee. The ministry also encourages teleworking and allows flexibility in work schedules to adapt to the extreme conditions. "Employers must implement all necessary health and safety measures," the ministry said.

GreekCitytimes

INVESTMENT

EU's ‘Made in Europe’ law aims to boost industrial production

The European Commission will later this month propose new rules to ensure investment decisions prioritise local companies, and key foreign investments are subjected to strict conditions around sharing technologies, hiring local workers and establishing joint ventures with European companies. The proposal aims to strengthen the resilience of the EU's supply chains and safeguard the bloc's single market and industrial capacity. The proposed conditions in the draft Industrial Accelerator Act, which Bloomberg says upends a free-trade philosophy that has governed decades of policy, will also introduce strict new rules on public procurement processes, including requirements for a minimum percentage of European-origin content in purchased products.

Bloomberg

ECONOMY

IMF warns of trade tension risk to global growth

Trade tensions and a reversal in the artificial intelligence boom are among the main risks to global economic growth, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned in its World Economic Outlook update, in which it nevertheless described the global economy as "steady," with growth expected to remain "resilient" this year. The IMF's forecast was produced ahead of US President Donald Trump's threat at the weekend to impose tariffs on eight European countries opposed to his proposed takeover of Greenland. The fund also said the independence of central banks was "paramount" for global economic stability and growth. The IMF said global growth was projected to reach 3.3% this year - an increase from its previous forecast of 3.1% - before slowing slightly to 3.2% in 2027.

Financial Times

Reuters

BBC News

CYBERSECURITY

New EU measures to strengthen cybersecurity resilience

The European Commission has proposed a revision of the Cybersecurity Act that aims to enhance the security of the EU’s information and communication technologies by reducing risks linked to so-called “high-risk” suppliers in the EU’s information and communication technology supply chains, including companies providing equipment and services for telecom networks, data centres, cloud services, connected devices and social media platforms. The measures follow an increase in cyber and ransomware attacks and growing concerns over foreign interference, espionage and Europe's reliance on non-EU technology suppliers.

INTERNATIONAL

FTC to scrutinise Big Tech's talent acquisition deals

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is scrutinising big tech firms that hire employees of a start-up instead of buying the companies outright. The growing practice is seen as a way to sidestep antitrust review. "We are beginning to examine these acqui-hires to make sure they are not an attempt to get around" the agency’s merger review process, FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. He blamed the Biden administration's aggressive antitrust enforcement for encouraging companies to increase the practice.

Bloomberg

Korea moves to extend labour protections

The South Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to introduce new rights for freelancers and platform workers by May 1. The proposed Basic Rights of Working People Act will presume worker status in civil disputes, shifting the burden of proof to employers. The change aims to protect up to 8.6m workers, allowing them to claim unpaid wages and severance. The act also strengthens labour inspectors' authority. However, critics argue it falls short, as it does not redefine "worker" in the Labor Standards Act, thus limiting its effectiveness. Yoon Ji-young from Workplace Gapjil 119 noted the need for stronger enforcement.

The Korea Times

OTHER

Armani unveils first menswear collection without founder

Armani has debuted its first menswear collection without input from late founder Giorgio, who passed away in September, closing Milan Fashion Week with a tribute to his legacy. The Fall-Winter 2026/2027 line, titled “Cangiante” (Italian for iridescent), featured luxurious textures and shifting fabrics like velvet, crepe, and brushed cashmere. The collection was designed by Leo Dell'Orco, Armani’s longtime collaborator and current menswear lead, who now also holds majority voting rights and chairs the foundation managing the company’s future.

Reuters

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