Human Times

European Edition

6th October 2026

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THE HOT STORY

Spain erupts in protest over evictions

Hundreds of thousands of protesters across more than 50 Spanish cities are calling for a general strike after parliament rejected emergency housing measures including an eviction moratorium, restrictions on vulture funds and automatic rental contract extensions. Demonstrations intensified after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen and came shortly before Pedro Sánchez called a snap election for November 29th. The Tenants' Union says it plans a November strike and is negotiating with major labour federations, arguing that “a general strike is the only way” to force action regardless of who governs. However, Spain’s largest unions, UGT and CCOO, remain cautious, while business leader Antonio Garamendi has questioned whether a housing-focused stoppage would be legal. A nationwide shutdown therefore remains uncertain and dependent on broader union support.

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WORKFORCE

Portugal's unemployment benefits take a hit

Portugal's unemployment benefits have decreased from 70% of the last wage in 2015 to 64% in 2025, according to a Bank of Portugal analysis. This decline results from wage growth outpacing adjustments to benefit caps, which are based on the Social Support Index (IAS). The average benefit rose by 3.4% annually, reaching €700 in 2025. The study also noted demographic shifts among beneficiaries, with an increase in older workers and women. Notably, 60% of beneficiaries who stopped receiving benefits in 2024 returned to work within a month, often facing wage losses.

The Portugal News Online

Finnish workers report improved work ability

Finnish workers are reporting improved work ability, with 43% rating it as excellent, up from 39% last year, according to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health's How is Finland doing? study. However, 26% of employed Finns are at increased risk of burnout, a figure that has not changed since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Younger workers show stronger physical and cognitive abilities but also report higher levels of boredom and loneliness. Researcher Jie Li noted that bureaucracy and conflicting roles contribute to burnout symptoms, highlighting the need for better workplace conditions.

Helsinki Times

YLE Uutiset

Austria proposes new bereavement leave

Austria's Minister for Labour, Korinna Schumann, has proposed new regulations to support women who experience a miscarriage. The plan includes paid special leave, with durations increasing based on the pregnancy stage, offering up to 16 weeks of leave for losses after the 23rd week. Additionally, women would receive four months of protection against dismissal, a significant increase from the current four weeks. Schumann also aims to extend leave to partners. Workers' rights groups have praised the proposal, emphasising the need for job security during such difficult times. "A miscarriage is a devastating blow," said Helene Schuberth from the Austrian Trade Union Federation.

The Local

Migration costs British workers £1,060

Migration has cost British workers an average of £1,060 annually, according to a study by Cambridge Circus Research. The research, based on unpublished HMRC data, indicates that an influx of low-paid migrants has deflated salaries outside London. While the average salary drop across England is £390, Londoners have benefited from higher wages due to wealthy foreign professionals. Hubert Kucharski, the study's author, said: "The Government should strictly limit pathways like the temporary shortage list to roles genuinely crucial to national industrial strategy." The report calls for stricter visa regulations for low-wage work.

The Daily Telegraph

Denmark to revive great prayer day

Denmark's government plans to reintroduce Great Prayer Day as a public holiday in 2030, as confirmed by Economic and Interior Minister Pia Olsen Dyhr. The legislation will be debated in the Folketing chamber in spring 2027. Dyhr noted that employment levels have risen sufficiently to support this change. Employees may need to negotiate with employers regarding the financial implications of the restored holiday. The holiday, abolished in 2024 to fund defence spending, had been observed since 1686 and faced opposition from various groups when removed.

Copenhagen Post

REMUNERATION

Luxembourg minimum wage set to rise

The Luxembourg government has approved a draft law to increase the minimum wage by 3.8%, effective from 1 January 2027. The unskilled minimum wage will rise from €2,771.33 to €2,876.64 per month, while the skilled minimum wage will increase from €3,325.59 to €3,451.96 per month. Employers will cover a 2.5% increase, with the state compensating the remaining 1.3%. Additionally, minimum wage earners will receive a tax credit, adding €200 to their income in January and June. Luxembourg's Labour Minister Marc Spautz said: "This agreement benefits our workers."

Luxembourg Times

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Malta's qualification approval rate plummets

In 2023, Malta approved only 43% of applications for professional qualifications, significantly lower than the EU average of 82%. Maurits Pino from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market presented these figures, highlighting that 38% of applications were rejected and 19% were pending. The low approval rate raises concerns about Malta's recognition system, which is governed by Directive 2005/36/EC. The Malta Further and Higher Education Authority noted ongoing efforts to improve the process, but the reasons for the low rate remain unclear, necessitating further investigation into the application outcomes.

Independent

HEALTH & SAFETY

Plague fears rise after lab worker dies

A laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia has died under unclear circumstances, raising public health concerns. The deceased, identified as Darya Shipilova, was reported to have died from pneumonia of unknown origin. Authorities quarantined several individuals who had contact with her and cordoned off parts of the hospital. Anna Popova, head of Russia's health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, stated that there is no evidence linking her death to her work. Governor Igor Kobzev confirmed that no new cases have been reported and the situation is under control.

Daily Sabah

U.S. News

LEGAL

British executive linked to fintech backed by Russia

The FT reports that documents reveal British businessman Michael Donald's involvement with Kremlin-linked A7, a money-laundering operation, amid extensive US sanctions and ties to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor.

Financial Times

CYBERSECURITY

Security breach exposes 8.8m records

Denmark's Digitalization Minister Christina Egelund stated that security measures for a private company's access to the national personal information register were insufficient. Unauthorized parties exploited this access to obtain records on 8.8m individuals over ten days in September. Egelund noted: "It is clear to me that the security measures surrounding this company's access to CPR have not been good enough." The incident, which involved names, addresses, and CPR numbers, has prompted an investigation, but the company and the nature of the breach remain undisclosed.

Copenhagen Post

STRATEGY

UK firms cut PR spending sharply

UK businesses are reducing their spending on public relations and consultancy services, with only 4.2% investing in these areas in September, according to City AM's Business Spend Pulse. This decline comes despite a 3.1% year-on-year increase in overall spending. The consulting sector experienced the largest cut, down nearly 4%. Meanwhile, spending on AI services surged, with one in seven businesses investing in AI tools, particularly benefiting Anthropic, which captured half of the AI spending. Damian Brychcy, CEO of Capital on Tap, noted that established businesses are increasing discretionary spending for growth.

City A.M.

CORPORATE

Putin greenlights UniCredit Bank overhaul

Vladimir Putin has authorised the reorganisation of AO UniCredit Bank by establishing a new company, according to the Tass agency. The decree indicates that no further permissions or approvals are needed under Russian law for this operation. In May, UniCredit signed a non-binding agreement to divest part of AO Bank's assets. Upon completion, UniCredit will own 100% of the 'New Bank', while the buyer will hold 100% of the 'Remaining Bank'.

ANSA.it

France 24

Deutsche Bank appoints new risk chief

Deutsche Bank has appointed Antonio Trentini as the new Chief Risk Officer for Italy. Roberto Parazzini, Chief Country Officer Italy, expressed confidence in Trentini's abilities, stating: "In his over fifteen years at the bank, he has demonstrated competence, vision, and a deep understanding of our business and risk management framework." Trentini's extensive experience is expected to enhance the stability and growth of Deutsche Bank in Italy.

ANSA.it

INVESTMENT

Volkswagen boosts slovak battery plant investment

Volkswagen will acquire a 49% stake in Gotion's battery plant in Šurany, Slovakia, investing €470m. This move aims to alleviate concerns about the Chinese-backed project, which has faced criticism over political influence and environmental issues. The plant will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells for electric vehicles and energy storage. Volkswagen's increased stake ensures access to 8.4 GWh of the plant's 20 GWh capacity, securing supply for its vehicles. Construction is behind schedule, but the investment may expedite progress, with production expected to start in late 2027.

The Slovak Spectator

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