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Human Times
North America
Jobless claims fall to lowest level since mid-July as layoffs remain limited

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that new unemployment benefit claims fell to 197,000 in the seven days to September 19th, the lowest level since mid-July and down from a revised 198,000 the previous week, indicating that layoffs remain historically low. The four-week average declined to 202,250 from 204,000, while continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, increased 2,000 to a seasonally-adjusted 1.719m. Economist Eliza Winger said that the latest data points to "stable labor-market conditions," adding: "The few industries that are shedding workers appear focused on efficiency gains, while we’ve yet to see signs that higher interest rates are driving layoffs, even in the most rate-sensitive sectors of the economy.”

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Human Times
UK
Over 50s struggle to find work

DWP workforce data showed 585,000 people aged 50 to 64 were not employed but wanted or were willing to work in 2026, up 2% year-on-year. Of these, 62% were not seeking work because of sickness, injury or disability, while 16% cited caring for home or family. Women were more likely than men to be economically inactive, although overall employment among over-50s rose to 72.2%. Marianna Hunt, personal finance specialist at Fidelity International, warned that leaving work in your 50s can “force them into an early retirement they can't afford”, reducing earnings, pension contributions and investment growth. Women’s average labour-market exit age also reached a record 65.1 years.

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Human Times
Europe
German union calls for 5% raise for engineering workers

Germany's IG Metall union wants a 5% ‌pay increase for 3.7m workers in the engineering sector ahead of collective bargaining talks. "Of course, we see ​that some companies are under considerable pressure ⁠and that this will continue. But as IG ​Metall, we do not accept deterioration in wages and ​employment rights," IG Metall President Christiane Benner said, adding "We need a vision that goes beyond job cuts, relocations, and ​plant closures." Reuters notes that widespread layoffs are occurring in German industry, notably in the auto sector.

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Human Times
Middle East
UAE grounds Iranian airlines amid sanctions

The United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines, citing US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. The move aligns the UAE with Oman, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkmenistan, which have also restricted Iranian carriers. Dubai had been a major destination for Iranian airlines, supported by extensive commercial links and a large Iranian community. The US measures target 27 airlines and supporting companies, warning airports and businesses that servicing sanctioned carriers could jeopardise their access to the US dollar system. Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization spokesman Majid Akhavan said “diplomatic and aviation talks are under way” to restore UAE services. Some Iranian airlines continue operating routes to China, Armenia and Turkiye.

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