Human Times

European Edition

10th September 2026

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THE HOT STORY

German job market crisis hits skilled workers

Germany's job market is facing a significant downturn, with around 15,000 jobs lost monthly in the industrial sector, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). This trend increasingly affects highly qualified professionals, including managers and executives, with a reported 14% rise in unemployment among leaders. Many are struggling to find new roles, often facing emotional challenges and financial pressures. Nils Schmidt, head of the Association for Skilled Workers, noted: "We are experiencing everything," as job seekers navigate a difficult landscape. The situation highlights the need for resilience and adaptability in the current job market.

Handelsblatt

HR & LEADERSHIP

Is your retention data lying to you?

Employee intent to stay in EMEA has dropped from 66% to 62% in a year, and voluntary turnover now costs the global economy $2.9 trillion annually. Most organisations treat this as a culture problem or a headcount problem but they're rarely looking in the right place. BAFTA-winning writer Adam Kay spent years inside a system that couldn't see its own people clearly, and he's joining Rippling's Wendy Harris and Eric Greenwood to make the case that your people aren't the problem. Your blind spots are. Join the free 45-minute session to find out what AI means for the headcount you can't yet see.

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HIRING

Clean energy jobs surge in EU

The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports that clean energy technologies are generating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the EU. However, a shortage of skilled workers poses a challenge to further growth. In 2024, employment in the energy sector rose by 2.2%, outpacing the overall economy's 1.3% growth. The EEA's report, "Clean energy technologies in the European Union - impacts on high-quality jobs, skills and the just transition," highlights that wind power is the largest employer, with 273,500 jobs. The report also notes significant disparities in job distribution and calls for coordinated policy measures to enhance training and job quality.

The Baltic Times

Datacentres: jobs fall short of promises

UK datacentres are projected to create only 10,400 jobs, significantly lower than the 40,000 claimed by TechUK, according to a report by Verdant. The analysis indicates that existing datacentres have generated fewer than 4,400 jobs, averaging 8.6 jobs per megawatt of energy consumed. Verdant's co-director, James Meadway, said: "We're being rushed into supporting a frantic pace of datacentre buildout on very flimsy economic grounds." The government has disputed Verdant's findings, arguing that the report relies on misleading metrics and overlooks the broader economic benefits of digital infrastructure.

The Guardian

Scottish firms boost hiring amid challenges

Scottish companies are experiencing a rise in employment, according to the Royal Bank of Scotland's latest Growth Tracker. The report indicates a third consecutive monthly increase in job creation, attributed to company expansions and new projects. Judith Cruickshank, Scotland board chair, said: "Sustained job creation, despite challenging demand conditions, suggests that firms' improved confidence is feeding through to hiring activity." However, Scotland recorded a contraction in output, with new orders declining for nearly two years. The inflationary environment remains challenging, but cost pressures are easing.

The Scotsman

McLaren revs up with 1,000 new jobs

McLaren, the British supercar manufacturer, will create 1,000 jobs following a £450m investment in its Woking technology centre. This expansion comes after its merger with EV startup Forseven and acquisition by Abu Dhabi's CYVN, which plans to invest £1.4bn over five years for a product overhaul. Despite job cuts announced by rivals like Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen, McLaren aims to diversify its offerings, including a new SUV model. Lachlan Buirds, managing director of Edale, said: "McLaren's investment is a welcome reminder that UK manufacturing is a sector with a future."

Financial Times

The Guardian

The I

WORKFORCE

Work permit delays plague polish firms

Polish companies are grappling with significant delays in securing work permits for foreign employees, exacerbating ongoing labour shortages. According to Puls Biznesu, the Mazowieckie Voivodeship Office processed 24,500 applications from January to July 2026 but only issued 9,400 permits. Employers report that decisions, which should take 30 days, often extend to six or seven months. Konfederacja Lewiatan noted that temporary residence procedures can take around 340 days instead of the statutory 60. Recruitment agencies warn that these delays could lead to informal employment and disrupt contracts, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and construction.

Warsaw Business Journal

Dutch public transport grinds to halt

Thousands of public transport workers in the Netherlands staged a 24-hour strike against proposed social security budget cuts, as reported by the trade union FNV. The strike severely disrupted services, with empty NS stations and cancelled buses in major cities like The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Daan Zieren, director of travel organisation Rover, expressed concern that the strike isolates vulnerable individuals further. Politicians, including D66 leader Jan Paternotte and Jesse Klaver of Pro, showed support for the strikers, with Klaver stating: "The social security cuts need to be scrapped."

NL Times

Romania's commuting woes revealed

Employees in Romania spend an average of 53 minutes commuting daily, covering only 17 kilometres, according to the HR & Payroll Pulse survey by SD Worx. This exceeds the 51 minutes they are willing to spend. Bucharest-Ilfov reports the longest average commute at 73 minutes for just 16 kilometres. Despite the long commute, 48% of respondents prefer to work from home as much as they currently do. Ciprian Chiorean, Managing Director of SD Worx Romania, noted: "Commuting is not only an infrastructure issue; it also directly shapes the employee experience."

Business Review

Is workaholism taking over your life?

Workaholism, defined as excessive and compulsive working, affects about 10% of German employees, according to a study by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) and the Technical University of Braunschweig. Stefan Poppelreuter, an expert from TÜV Rheinland, noted: "Work is too much when it dominates life." Warning signs include neglecting health and relationships for work. To combat workaholism, individuals should set clear recovery times and seek professional help if they experience significant stress or interpersonal conflicts. Support is available through various counselling services and self-help groups.

Handelsblatt

POLITICAL

Bosnia cuts ties with serbia

Elmedin Konaković, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister, announced the withdrawal of most embassy staff in Belgrade. This decision aims to reduce diplomatic relations with Serbia following Ratko Mladić's death. At a press conference, Konaković said: "If I could, I would immediately cut diplomatic ties with Serbia. I can work to minimise relations." The ambassador and consul will remain, while some functions will shift to embassies in Zagreb and Podgorica.

ANSA.it

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

VW avoids escalation in power struggle

Olaf Lies, the Minister-President of Niedersachsen, warned of a potential escalation within Volkswagen before a recent supervisory board meeting. He noted that the company faced months of internal conflict and discussions about plant closures and the Volkswagen Law, which grants Niedersachsen significant influence. The board reached a consensus on a new future plan, postponing decisions on plant closures. Lies emphasised that the management must now provide concrete measures for the future of the sites, stating: "This agreement is a significant success, but also the beginning of a long, hard, and at times painful journey."

Handelsblatt

L'Oréal Romania welcomes new HR director

Guillaume Pitoiset has been appointed as the new Country HR Director for L'Oréal Romania, effective September 2026. With 15 years of experience at L'Oréal Groupe, he has held various HR roles across Europe, including Talent Acquisition Project Manager in France and HR Director for Luxe Spain – Portugal. Pitoiset aims to enhance the local HR strategy, foster innovation, and support business growth.

Business Review

REMUNERATION

Lufthansa pilots demand higher retirement contributions

Lufthansa pilots are in conflict with management over retirement contributions. The pilots' union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), has taken legal action after the company terminated an agreement that allowed pilots to receive credit for union work. This follows costly strikes that incurred €200m in losses. Michael Niggemann, HR director, stated: "We cannot further jeopardise the company's future." The pilots earn competitive salaries, with captains potentially earning up to €281,300 annually, but the union demands higher employer contributions for pensions.

Handelsblatt

LEGAL

Amazon faces lawsuit over pregnancy discrimination

A group of former Amazon warehouse employees has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging systemic discrimination against pregnant workers. The plaintiffs claim Amazon violated the 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by denying essential accommodations and penalising those who took breaks for medical needs. Inimai Chettiar, president of A Better Balance, stated: "Denying a pregnant worker a stool, a lighter workload, or a bathroom break is a violation of federal law." Amazon has denied the allegations, asserting that it supports numerous pregnancy-related accommodations each year.

U.S. News

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

AI won't replace skilled trades soon

AI is reshaping the job market, but certain skilled trades remain secure. Lukáš Kovanda, chief economist at Trinity Bank, noted that skilled tradespeople can earn more than many university graduates. Slovakia faces a shortage of workers in trades like plumbing and electrical work, as young people shy away from vocational training. This shortage is driving wages up, with high demand for electricians, plumbers, and welders, according to Katarína Tešla from the Kariéra.sk jobs portal. The trend highlights a shift in the labour market towards valuing practical skills.

The Slovak Spectator

CORPORATE

Air France-KLM and Lufthansa in final talks

Air France-KLM and Lufthansa are entering the final negotiation phase for the acquisition of up to 44.9% of TAP, Portugal's national airline. The Council of Ministers extended the privatisation deadline to December 31, 2026, to allow for improved binding proposals. Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro, noted that the bids are "globally so similar," prompting the need for further negotiations. The process allows for the sale of up to 49.9% of TAP's capital, with 5% reserved for employees. Final approvals from the Council of Ministers and European competition authorities are still required.

The Portugal News Online

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