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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The United States Trade Representative has proposed imposing additional tariffs of 10%-12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including the European Union and the U.K., arguing that their failure to adequately restrict goods produced using forced labor places U.S. businesses and workers at a competitive disadvantage. Under the proposal, the E.U., Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Pakistan would face an additional 10% tariff due to alleged shortcomings in enforcing existing restrictions, while the U.K. and 53 other economies, including Japan, India, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia, would face a 12.5% tariff for not having effective bans in place. The proposed measures, which remain subject to consultation and review, could reignite trade tensions with key U.S. partners just weeks after the E.U. agreed a trade framework with Washington that capped tariffs on most E.U. exports at 15%. The investigation was conducted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, providing an alternative legal basis for tariffs after U.S. courts ruled against the Trump administration’s earlier use of emergency powers to impose broad trade duties.
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Human Times
UK
Lord Mann has called for NHS staff to be banned from wearing political badges at work after his government-commissioned review into antisemitism in the health service found Jewish staff felt ostracised and some Jewish patients were avoiding care. He cited incidents including a Jewish employee’s locker being smeared with bacon fat and said NHS uniforms should not be used at political demonstrations. The Department of Health and Social Care has accepted his recommendation for a national uniform policy and will publish guidance in due course. It also plans a new staff standard, mandatory anti-racism training for NHS trust chairs and chief executives, and updated equality training covering antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility. The Times says that a sharp reduction in factional and identity signalling is long overdue, particularly in the public sector and concludes that NHS staff should understand that they are expected to leave their politics at the door.
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Human Times
Europe
Amazon has announced plans to invest more than €10bn to expand and modernise its European warehouse and delivery network, including upgrades to fulfilment centres, greater capacity and new robotics and automation systems. The company said the investment would support 25,000 additional fulfilment jobs across Europe in the coming years and follows more than €60bn of European investment in 2025. Amazon also unveiled a $1bn worker training fund by 2030, covering areas including cybersecurity, software development, logistics, renewable energy and mechatronics. The announcement comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its position in AI, robotics and technology, amid concerns that fast-growing start-ups often relocate to the US.
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Human Times
Middle East
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi recently highlighted the National Skills Platform at the 114th Session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva. He emphasised the role of responsible artificial intelligence in creating a sustainable future of work. Al-Rajhi noted that 2026 is designated as the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance productivity and labour market efficiency. He stated: "The future of work in the age of artificial intelligence will not be determined by technology alone, but by the ability to invest in people." The Kingdom's initiatives include the Wage Protection Program and the Qiwa platform, serving millions of workers.
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