Human Times

UK Edition

28th November 2025

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THE HOT STORY

Labour reverses day-one dismissal protection plan

The government has reversed its manifesto pledge to give workers protection from unfair dismissal from their first day in a job. Instead, the right will apply after six months, following pressure from business groups and opposition in the House of Lords. Ministers said the change was necessary to prevent delays to the wider Employment Rights Bill. While the Trades Union Congress welcomed the news, Unite questioned the decision, saying the Bill was now a "shell of its former self." In a joint statement, business groups including the British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, and the Federation of Small Businesses said the agreement "keeps a qualifying period that is simple, meaningful, and understood within existing legislation." Ministers, meanwhile, have announced that the Fair Work Agency, which will be tasked with overseeing the new rights, will be set up in 2026.

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HIRING

Disability employment gap remains stark

Nearly one in four working-age adults in the UK is disabled, yet disabled people remain excluded from work at twice the rate of non-disabled people. Ahead of the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Sir Charlie Mayfield and the Disability Charities Consortium are urging employers to take meaningful action, noting that only 37% of FTSE 100 firms have disability initiatives. Some retailers are leading the way: Whitbread’s Thrive programme supports young people with special needs into jobs; Asda offers supported internships through DFN Project Search; and Marks & Spencer’s Marks & Start scheme has helped thousands into work.

The Times

WORKFORCE

IFS expects 'dismal' increase in living standards

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns that UK households face a "truly dismal" outlook for living standards following the Budget. The IFS expects average disposable incomes to grow by just 0.5% per year over the next five years, far below historical norms. IFS director Helen Miller also said Labour has effectively broken its manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people, pointing to the freeze on income tax thresholds and a rise in National Insurance via limits on salary-sacrifice pension contributions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves denied breaking promises, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme that tax increases on workers were kept "to a minimum."

Net migration set to fall to pre-Brexit levels

Net annual migration to the UK is projected to decrease to approximately 300,000, according to the British Future think-tank, close to pre-Brexit levels. The figure represents a significant drop from the peak of 944,000 reported by the Office for National Statistics for the year ending March 2023. Using a new methodology, the figures show cumulative net migration over the period from 2021 to 2024 was about 97,000 lower than previously thought. Despite this decline, a recent Ipsos/British Future survey revealed that 56% of the public mistakenly believe immigration increased last year.

The Guardian

The Times

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

New North Sea jobs service to launch

The government plans to launch the North Sea Jobs Service in 2026, aiming to assist oil and gas workers transition to growing sectors including renewables and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is part of the North Sea Future Plan, which includes a skills passport scheme to facilitate sector switching, especially into offshore wind and nuclear decommissioning.

Environmental Data Interactive Exchange

HEALTH & SAFETY

Sainsbury's installs cameras for driver safety

Sainsbury's plans to install cameras in delivery vans to enhance driver safety. Starting in the new year, the cameras will provide real-time alerts for seatbelt use and distractions. The supermarket chain emphasised that the initiative is not about monitoring but prioritising safety. However, union leaders, including GMB's Nadine Houghton, have condemned the cameras as intrusive. Delivery drivers expressed their frustration over the investment, suggesting funds could be better spent on measures to prevent attacks. The technology is currently in a trial phase.

The Daily Telegraph

WORKPLACE

JPMorgan plans major London expansion

JPMorgan has announced it will build a 3m sq ft tower in East London’s Canary Wharf, its largest office in EMEA, housing up to 12,000 employees. The investment, worth £9.9bn ($13.1bn) over six years, will create 7,800 jobs. JPMorgan chairman Jamie Dimon cited UK economic policy and the government’s growth agenda as key factors behind the decision. The move marks a win for Canary Wharf, which has faced tenant challenges post-pandemic. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs plans to double the capacity of its Birmingham office, creating 500 jobs. The US banking group will invest several billion pounds in infrastructure, focusing on AI and digital sectors. Goldman Sachs said: "We are increasing our financing activities to critical parts of the economy where we see substantial opportunities to deploy capital."

TECHNOLOGY

World's central banks are cautious of AI

The world's central banks are wary of artificial intelligence amid concern that AI-driven behaviour could "accelerate future crises," according to a survey by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum. "AI helps us see more, but decisions must remain with people," one participant was quoted as saying in the report from a working group of 10 central banks from Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia managing roughly $6.5 trillion. More than 60% of respondents said that AI tools are not yet supporting core operations. although most central banks are using AI mainly for basic work, such as summarising data or scanning markets. "Most early applications centred on routine analytical tasks rather than risk management or portfolio construction," the report said.

Barron's

Reuters

HEALTH & WELLBEING

T’ai chi can help to combat insomnia, experts say

People with chronic insomnia could benefit from practicing the ancient art of tai chi as an alternative to talking therapies, according to a study in the British Medical Journal. The researchers said their study “supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults.”

The Times

INTERNATIONAL

Indian trade unions unite against new labour codes

On Wednesday, a coalition of 10 major Indian trade unions staged nationwide protests against the government's new labour codes, which they labelled a "deceptive fraud" against workers. Demonstrators expressed concerns that the reforms erode job security and favour employers. Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, said: "Workers' rights are being bulldozed." The new codes replace 29 existing laws and aim to modernise labour regulations, but unions argue they disproportionately benefit employers and restrict workers' rights.

Yahoo News Australia

Allianz signals job cuts in AI shift

German insurance giant Allianz has announced potential job cuts due to its integration of artificial intelligence. The company’s subsidiary, Allianz Partners, indicated that up to 1,800 roles, primarily in call centres, could be eliminated over the next 12 to 18 months. This represents about 8% of its 22,600 employees across Germany, France, Spain, and Britain. Allianz Partners said it is "leveraging AI" to enhance services, which may affect positions reliant on manual processes. Discussions with staff representatives are still in early stages, according to sources.

France 24

Theborn Korea referred to prosecutors over alleged worker 'blacklist'

Food and beverage company Theborn Korea has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly blocking workers from finding new jobs. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's Seoul Gangnam District Office recommended indictment after discovering a message on an online forum that violated the Labour Standards Act. Theborn Korea claimed the bulletin board was inactive and created at franchise owners' requests. However, the ministry found it constituted an illegal attempt to hinder employment. The company has also faced other violations, including unpaid allowances, which have since been resolved.

Korea Joongang Daily

OTHER

Primary school runs parent absence awareness courses

Netley Primary School in Camden in north London is addressing high absence rates by offering parents attendance awareness courses. These sessions have reportedly improved attendance for 75% of participating pupils, helping parents avoid fines. Gareth Morris, headteacher, noted that many parents are overprotective, which contributes to absences. The courses educate parents on the long-term effects of missing school, using engaging activities to illustrate the impact on children's learning. Chris Roberts from Camden Learning praised the initiative, while Dr Carlie Goldsmith from education charity Impetus cautioned against poorly implemented programmes.

Schools Week

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