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Recent Editions
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Human Times
North America
DOJ rebrands AI as SI

The U.S. Justice Department has instructed employees to use “super intelligence” and the abbreviation “SI” instead of “artificial intelligence” in most official contexts, including public communications, policy documents and, where appropriate, court filings. The directive from acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter follows President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring federal agencies to adopt the new terminology, which he said better reflects the technology’s potential. Staff were told to make the change “to the maximum extent permitted by law”. The move comes as public confidence in AI has been tested by hacking incidents and wider safety concerns. Trump has generally opposed imposing new regulations on the technology, although he has said the Justice Department could intervene if necessary.

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Human Times
UK
Tories target youth jobs costs

The Conservatives have pledged to halve employers’ National Insurance from 15% to 7.5% for workers aged 21 to 24, arguing that rising employment costs are making businesses less willing to hire younger staff. The party estimates the change would save employers an average of around £1,500 a year for each eligible worker, with larger savings for higher-paid staff within the threshold. Kemi Badenoch said youth unemployment had increased significantly and argued that “people aren’t hiring young people anymore”, presenting the £2.3bn measure as part of a wider effort to improve job prospects for younger workers. The Conservatives also want to reduce employment red tape, cut taxes and strengthen incentives to work, while shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith has criticised higher payroll costs and minimum wage increases for making entry-level hiring more expensive. The party says its broader economic strategy would focus on lowering business costs, encouraging recruitment and creating conditions for stronger employment growth.

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Human Times
Europe
EU targets workplace mental health

The European Parliament has called for EU-wide rules to address work-related stress, burnout, depression and anxiety, which affected 29% of EU workers in 2025 and 32% of those aged 25 to 39. MEPs want psychosocial risks such as harassment, excessive workloads and unpredictable hours recognised as potential causes of occupational disease. Belgian Socialist MEP Estelle Ceulemans said that “illnesses linked to psychosocial risks, such as burnout, must be recognised as occupational diseases”. The resolution proposes binding employer obligations, stronger labour inspections, a right to disconnect outside working hours and voluntary telework. It would also shift the burden of proof in some occupational disease cases, requiring employers to rebut evidence linking workplace risks to health damage. Far-right groups opposed the measures, arguing they could impose excessive obligations on businesses. The European Commission has now been asked to propose legislation on psychosocial risks, stress and workplace mental health.

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Human Times
Middle East
Transforming worker housing in Saudi

Mnzil, The Development Group and Capital Partners have launched a SAR1bn fund to develop purpose-built workforce compounds accommodating up to 50,000 workers across Saudi Arabia. Mnzil will operate the portfolio, TDG will oversee site selection, design and development, and Capital Partners will manage the fund. Development is expected to begin in Q4 2026 across major employment centres including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Khobar, Makkah and Madinah. Compounds will include furnished rooms, recreational facilities, communal areas and on-site services, with locations chosen to reduce commuting. Mnzil chief executive Majeed Albabtain said, “Improving workers' lives is a collective effort.” The partners see the model as supporting Vision 2030 while establishing workforce housing as a scalable institutional real estate asset class backed by employer demand and long-term leases.

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