Human Times

European Edition

2nd September 2026

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THE HOT STORY

UK businesses call for focus on soft skills to help young people into work

The UK's Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for a focus on young people's soft skills - such as communication, decision-making, organisation and adaptability - as part of efforts to cut the number not in education, employment or training (NEET). FSB national chair Tina McKenzie said 37% of UK employers have faced challenges recruiting due to a lack of soft skills among applicants, and said it is "important not only to expand access to work experience and placements, but also to lay the foundations for employment success within the curriculum itself." She said: "Improving financial and enterprise education in schools . . . alongside the development of essential soft skills, will help equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need."

The Times

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STRATEGY

Volkswagen management 'proposes shutdown of four German plants by 2034'

German business outlet WirtschaftsWoche has reported that management at Volkswagen is proposing to end production ‌at the Emden and Zwickau plants in 2031, at Hanover in 2032, and finally at Neckarsulm in 2034. Volkswagen's supervisory board is set to meet on ⁠Friday.

Bloomberg

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Skills shortages 'hinder AI adoption in Europe'

Sasha Rubel, Amazon Web Services' head of generative AI policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa talks to France 24 about a report commissioned by the US tech giant which suggests that skills shortages and regulatory uncertainty are hindering AI adoption in Europe, and 38% of European startups are looking to move overseas.

France 24

ECONOMY

France prepares emergency aid for farmers

France will provide several hundred million euros in emergency support to farmers affected by severe drought and heatwaves. The package will include compensation, tax exemptions and assistance with feed, seeds and seedlings. Drought conditions are affecting 65% of France, with major losses reported for corn, vegetables and livestock. Despite the damage, the government expects imports and staggered harvests to prevent food shortages and significant price increases.

Bloomberg

Italian business and consumer confidence rise

Italian business and consumer confidence improved in August, with business morale rising for a third consecutive month to 96.9 and consumer confidence reaching 94.5. Manufacturing sentiment also edged higher. The figures offer signs of resilience after stronger-than-expected economic growth this year, although the government expects GDP to expand by just 0.6% in both 2026 and 2027.

Reuters

CORPORATE

Trade association says Brexit costs UK £11.7bn annually

Brexit is costing the UK £11.7bn a year in lost exports, according to Logistics UK. A report from the trade association says that 98.2% of businesses want access to the EU single market restored. Meanwhile, a European Movement UK survey reveals that 72.8% of firms feel Brexit negatively impacts their operations. Mike Galsworthy, chair of European Movement UK, said: “The absolute killer on our businesses, large and small, is paperwork. What hurts is the sheer time, cost and risk of it. Brexit is a huge source of that paperwork, creating vast barriers where previously there were none. Rejoining the single market and customs union, or better, the EU outright, would remove it entirely."

The Independent UK

REGULATION

ChatGPT faces stricter EU rules on online safety

OpenAI's ChatGPT will be classified as a very large online search engine under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), requiring it to comply with stricter regulations. The European Commission also announced that social media forum Reddit and gaming platform Roblox would be classified as very large online platforms. All three will therefore face extra obligations such as removing illegal content and protecting the privacy and security of children. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 6% of global revenue.

Financial Times

Reuters

The Daily Telegraph

INTERNATIONAL

Japan eases overtime rules

Japan has relaxed its overtime regulations in an effort to address labour shortages and enhance business flexibility. Around 40% of employers in Japan are operating under specific labour-management agreements that legally allow monthly overtime of up to 100 hours. Those businesses were however advised by authorities to cap overtime at 45 hours each month; now, labour standards inspection offices will no longer pressure companies that are over the 45-hour limit. The labour ministry said it would "continue to provide the necessary guidance if there is a high risk that health problems caused by excessive work may arise."

Japan Today

France 24

EY invests $100m in rewards for human skills alongside AI

Ernst & Young’s US division will invest $100m in employee rewards during the current fiscal year to recognize skills including adaptability, innovation, judgment, and effective experimentation with AI. Employees can receive spot awards of up to $500, while individuals and teams making major contributions can earn between $10,000 and $25,000, five times the previous award maximum. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to reshape training and development as AI changes professional services, with EY emphasizing the critical thinking and human capabilities needed to complement the technology. The firm has also expanded AI training and career development programmes, while reporting that its AI-related revenue increased 30% year over year in 2025.

CBS News

Wall Street Journal

Micron's Taiwan unions threaten strike

Unions representing nearly two-thirds of US memory-chip maker Micron's Taiwan staff in Taoyuan and Taichung may strike unless the company overhauls its bonus system and shares more of its profits with workers. Taiwan is Micron's largest manufacturing base, and any stoppage could disrupt chip supply. Unions representing workers in the two cities say that they had nearly 10,000 members among Micron's roughly 15,000 employees there. More than 80% of surveyed members backed strike action, the unions said.

Reuters

Nearly 10,000 New Zealand public servants to strike

Nearly 10,000 public servants in New Zealand plan to take strike action for several hours on Wednesday next week after negotiations over pay and working conditions failed ‌to produce an agreement. The proposed strike will involve workers at the Department of Internal Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and ⁠Ministry of Social Development, the Public Service Association (PSA) said. “These public servants are facing pay offers well below inflation while working amid the devastating consequences of the government’s public service cuts,” said PSA national secretary Duane Leo. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said instead of striking, public servants should “get around the negotiating table and negotiate.”

Reuters

Stuff

OTHER

Ikea cuts prices in Europe by €1.2bn to counter cost of living crisis

Ikea is investing €1.2bn in price reductions across Europe as it seeks to attract cost-conscious consumers and revive sales following two consecutive years of declining revenue. The retailer has cut prices on more than 1,500 products in Germany, its largest market by revenue, alongside reductions in the UK and other European markets, with product redesigns, greater automation and renewable energy helping to lower manufacturing costs. Ikea is also expanding its smaller-store format, having opened seven across Europe since January as it seeks to reach new customers beyond its traditional out-of-town locations.

Bloomberg

Financial Times

Reuters

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