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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
U.S. job openings fell to 6.88m in February from an upwardly revised 7.24m in January, undershooting expectations and signalling a moderation in labor demand after a brief uptick at the start of the year. According to the Labor Department's latest JOLTS report, hiring also slowed markedly, to its lowest level since April 2020, reflecting weaker recruitment across sectors including construction, leisure and hospitality, and business services. The slowdown in vacancies was driven by declines in accommodation and food services, healthcare, and manufacturing, suggesting softness is concentrated in specific industries rather than broad-based. Meanwhile, the quits rate held at 1.9%, matching its lowest level since 2020, indicating reduced worker confidence in securing new roles, while layoffs edged up slightly but remained subdued overall. The ratio of job openings to unemployed workers fell to 0.9, down significantly from a peak of 2 in 2022, reinforcing the Federal Reserve’s view that the labor market is no longer a key source of inflationary pressure.
Full Issue
Human Times
UK
The Low Pay Commission has said the minimum wage may need to rise by around 3.7% next year to £13.18 an hour to keep up with the likely rise in average earnings. The public body, which advises the government on the rate, gave the forecast as part of an annual consultation with employers, unions and the public. "The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations," Commission chair Philippa Stroud said. Meanwhile, the Commission has said the decision to raise the minimum wage by 6.7% last spring has had a minimal effect on inflation and not led to a significant, economy-wide impact on jobs. Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage, come into force from today.
Full Issue
Human Times
Europe
Unilever is freezing hiring for at least three months. The company, which owns brands such as Dove soap and Hellman’s mayonnaise, told staff the ban on hiring will affect “all levels” of recruitment and was taken in response to the “significant challenges” posed by the crisis in the Middle East. "Macro economic and geopolitical realities, especially in the Middle East conflict . . . bring some significant challenges for the coming few months," Fabian Garcia, head of Unilever's personal care business, wrote in a memo. "With this in mind, the Unilever Leadership Executive team has agreed a global recruitment freeze at all levels. This will be effective immediately and last for a minimum of three months."
Full Issue
Human Times
Middle East
Unilever is freezing hiring for at least three months. The company, which owns brands such as Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise, told staff the ban on hiring will affect “all levels” of recruitment and was taken in response to the “significant challenges” posed by the crisis in the Middle East. "Macro economic and geopolitical realities, especially in the Middle East conflict . . . bring some significant challenges for the coming few months," Fabian Garcia, head of Unilever's personal care business, wrote in a memo. "With this in mind, the Unilever Leadership Executive team has agreed a global recruitment freeze at all levels. This will be effective immediately and last for a minimum of three months."
Full Issue