Human Times

UK Edition

3rd June 2026

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THE HOT STORY

Labour pushes on with zero-hours crackdown despite warnings

Labour’s proposed zero-hours contract reforms have prompted warnings from employers that they could reduce seasonal, temporary and entry-level work. The plans would require guaranteed-hours offers for zero-hours and low-hours workers, potentially using a 12-week reference period and applying to those working up to 20 hours weekly, with consultation on a 40-hour threshold. Business groups argue this could distort staffing after busy periods such as Christmas and make overtime riskier. Andrew Griffith, shadow business secretary, said the consultation “risks ending the role of seasonal and temporary workers in the labour market.” Hospitality, retail, recruitment and HR leaders warned the rules could worsen youth unemployment, already cited at 16.2%.

Financial Times

The Daily Telegraph

The Guardian

HIGH-POTENTIAL TALENT

The way we identify potential is starting to shift

We’re hearing this more and more from organisations. Past performance just isn’t giving the full picture anymore when it comes to identifying future potential.

As AI changes how work looks and how careers develop, many HR teams are rethinking what high potential really means and what they should be looking for instead.

Join Talogy’s experts for High potential in the age of AI: What defines future capability now? - a practical session exploring how the definition of potential is evolving, the growing importance of emotional intelligence and transferable skills, and how organisations can take a more forward-looking approach to identifying and developing talent.

They’ll also discuss why identifying potential earlier is becoming more important for building stronger future talent pipelines.

Register for the webinar

REMOTE WORKING

Remote work fuels youth unemployment surge

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that the rise of remote work accounts for 64% of the increase in youth unemployment. The unemployment rate for young college graduates rose to 5.6% in March 2026, up from 3.6% in March 2019. The economists noted: "Employers may not want to hire fresh graduates onto distributed teams because it is more difficult to teach them the requisite skills from afar." The study highlights that while artificial intelligence's impact on entry-level jobs is often discussed, remote work has likely had a more significant effect. The authors emphasized that remote work has weakened incentives to hire young workers by impeding on-the-job training, leading to fewer inexperienced hires during the pandemic. They warned that "the high unemployment rates of young college graduates are particularly concerning because early-career experiences can have lasting consequences."

The Baltimore Sun

CNBC

NPR / National Public Radio

The Daily Telegraph

WORKFORCE

NHS sick leave crisis costs £5bn

The NHS is facing a sick-leave epidemic, with absence rates reaching 5.15%, nearly three times higher than the private sector's 1.8%. A report by Policy Exchange revealed that this crisis costs taxpayers around £5bn annually. The report, titled NHS: Heal Thyself, highlighted that 10% of staff account for 55% of all sickness absence. Gareth Lyon, head of health & social care at Policy Exchange, said: "Our findings show a system which is not working either for NHS staff or for patients." The NHS acknowledged the challenges but emphasised ongoing efforts to improve staff wellbeing.

The Daily Telegraph

Self-employed face tax deadline chaos

The Government is rolling out the Making Tax Digital initiative, which requires self-employed individuals earning over £50,000 to report income and expenses digitally. A recent survey by Sage revealed that only 37% of sole traders are aware of the upcoming tax deadline on August 7. Failure to comply could result in fines from HMRC, including a £200 penalty for missed submissions. Gary Neville, a spokesperson for Sage, emphasised the need for tradespeople to prepare for these changes. Taxpayers must use MTD-compliant software to avoid penalties and ensure timely reporting to HMRC.

Express.co.uk

Union bosses slam iPad rollout for drivers

Union leaders are opposing the rollout of iPads for Underground drivers, claiming they will be used to monitor their activities more closely. A union representative reportedly complained that the iPads are "too small to watch Netflix" on. The RMT union is currently staging strikes over proposed reforms, which they label a "fake" four-day week. They argue that the iPads will change the culture of interaction with management. Meanwhile, the Aslef union has accepted the reforms, highlighting benefits such as reduced working hours and improved conditions for drivers. Sir Sadiq Khan has urged the RMT to negotiate to avoid further strikes.

London Evening Standard

Ageism in the workplace: a growing concern

Lyndsey Simpson, author of The Age Rebellion, highlights the growing issue of ageism in the UK workforce. By 2030, nearly half of UK employees will be over 50, yet 36% of workers aged 50 to 69 feel disadvantaged due to their age. Simpson advises mid-life workers to embrace new skills, avoid hasty redundancy, and communicate boundaries regarding childcare. She emphasises the importance of planning for the future and not rushing into retirement, as many face loneliness and lack of purpose post-retirement. "We have to challenge myths around ageing," she said.

The I

PRODUCTIVITY

Grant Thornton rolls out Anthropic AI

Grant Thornton UK is set to implement Anthropic's generative AI service, Claude, across its workforce in June, backed by a £500m investment. The initiative aims to shift focus from routine tasks to higher-value advisory roles. Malcolm Gomersall, chief executive of Grant Thornton UK, commented: "Clients don't pay for process; they pay for judgement." The firm plans to provide training and governance frameworks for safe AI use. Additionally, Grant Thornton will be opening a 'Digital Experience Centre' in London later this year where clients will be able to learn how to use technology to improve business operations.

City AM

HIRING

AI deepfake trickster lands tech job

Jake Moore, a cybersecurity expert, used AI to create two personas, including an Asian woman named Jackie Morris, to secure a tech job. He beat 261 applicants for a £30,000 role as a customer acquisition specialist. Moore, who has a background in cybercrime, spent five months planning his deepfake strategy, using software to alter his voice and appearance. He demonstrated how easily AI-generated identities can deceive hiring processes at Infosecurity Europe, stating: "Don't take things at face value." His findings highlight vulnerabilities in remote hiring security.

The Times

INVESTMENT

City chiefs unite to combat disinformation

City leaders have launched Team UK, an initiative to counter negative perceptions about London as a financial hub. Spearheaded by Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley, the campaign aims to promote the capital's strengths in attracting global investment. "We must stand up and do the same and not allow inaccurate stories to colour how the world perceives us," she said. The campaign, supported by over 200 advocates, aims to address misconceptions about crime and instability, while highlighting London's status as a desirable place to live.

City AM

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Labour MPs slam new trans guidance

Labour MPs have condemned the new transgender guidance approved by the Government, claiming it creates a "hostile environment" for transgender individuals. Sarah Owen, chair of the women and equalities committee, led the criticism during a Commons debate, stating that the guidance is still fundamentally trans-exclusionary. Seema Malhotra, the minister for equalities, emphasised the need to support women's rights while treating transgender people with dignity. Critics, including Nadia Whittome and Cat Eccles, warned that the guidance could lead to increased exclusion and harassment of transgender individuals.

The Daily Telegraph

WORKPLACE

Luxury estate agency CEO faces harassment claims

George Azar, CEO of UK Sotheby's International Realty, faces allegations of sexual harassment from female employees. Reports indicate that during a company event, Azar made inappropriate comments about staff members, including remarks about their bodies and sexual activities. One employee felt uncomfortable and was discouraged from filing a complaint due to fears of losing her job. Lawyers for Azar stated he does not recall the remarks and noted no formal complaints have been made.

The Daily Telegraph

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

British Land taps Oxford Properties for CEO

British Land appointed Joanne McNamara as CEO, making her one of few female leaders in the FTSE 100 real estate sector, succeeding Simon Carter. She will join from Oxford Properties - the real estate arm of a Canadian pension fund.

Financial Times

The Times

AND FINALLY....

Carrymen: the shopping assistants you need

CarryMen, a new start-up in Delhi, offers shopping assistants to help customers navigate crowded markets. Founded by Ritu Kandari Srivastava and Kanishka Malhotra, the service provides assistance for up to four hours, starting at 79 rupees. While many customers appreciate the convenience, critics argue it reflects entitlement among the affluent. Ritu stated: "We are just providing assistance to those who have difficulty navigating the streets." The service has gained traction, with plans for expansion to other markets in India.

BBC News

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