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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
Labor productivity increased by 2.8% in the fourth quarter, surpassing forecasts and marking the strongest growth in five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rise in productivity, which reflects nonfarm employee output per hour, is attributed to companies investing in technology to enhance efficiency and manage labor costs. "The labor market is no longer a source of inflation," said Federal Reserve officials, as wage pressures remain contained. Despite a slowdown in economic growth due to the longest U.S. government shutdown, business investment continued to rise. Economists expect efficiency gains to persist, driven by ongoing investments in artificial intelligence. The report also indicated that unit labor costs rose by 2.8% in the fourth quarter, while worker compensation adjusted for inflation increased at the fastest rate in over a year.
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Human Times
UK
Women will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures being introduced next month, according to research by the TUC which says approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April. The TUC also notes that over 830,000 low-paid women will gain access to statutory sick pay for the first time. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work . . . That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.” A government spokesperson said: “The Employment Rights Act is a huge boost for women in the workplace – introducing enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers and rights for parental leave from day one.”
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Human Times
Europe
Women in the UK will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures being introduced next month, according to research by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) which says approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April. The TUC also notes that over 830,000 low-paid women will gain access to statutory sick pay for the first time. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work . . . That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.” A government spokesperson said: “The Employment Rights Act is a huge boost for women in the workplace – introducing enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers and rights for parental leave from day one.”
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Human Times
Middle East
Bahrain's Labour Ministry has outlined a strategy to prioritise citizens in the local job market while allowing businesses to hire foreign workers when necessary. Minister Yousif Khalaf said that the national labour market plan for 2023-2026 aims to enhance economic growth and create sustainable job opportunities for Bahrainis. Employers must now wait 21 days for foreign work permit approvals, during which period they must advertise locally. The government is also increasing fees for foreign work permits and implementing Bahrainisation quotas to ensure local hiring. Khalaf observed: "The national labour market plan places the citizen at the heart of development in Bahrain."
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