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17th January 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
BP to cut 4,700 jobs to reduce costs
Oil giant BP is to cut about 4,700 staff, more than 5% of its total workforce, as part of plans to cut costs. The UK firm, which has a global workforce of about 90,000 people, confirmed the job losses on Thursday, but has not said how many roles will be affected in each country it operates in. An email to staff also confirmed that about 3,000 contractor positions will be axed this year. It is understood the cuts will be applied to those in office-based jobs rather than operational roles. In an email to staff, chief executive Murray Auchincloss said: "We have got more we need to do through this year, next year and beyond, but we are making strong progress as we position BP to grow as a simpler, more focused, higher-value company." Auchincloss added that he recognised "the uncertainty this brings for everyone whose job may be at risk, and also the effect it can have on colleagues and teams." BP employs about 16,000 people in the UK, of which about 6,000 are based in petrol and service stations, and will not be affected by the cuts. 
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Four-day week is an 'impossible dream' for many
A survey by recruitment firm Reed suggests the much-heralded four-day working week is an “impossible dream” for British workers, with many reporting that their workload is pushing them closer to working six days a week. Ian Nicholas, global managing director at Reed, suggested that the extra hours could be workers' attempts to demonstrate their value to avoid redundancy amid business cutbacks, or simply striving to keep operations running while companies struggle financially. The survey of 5,000 adults  indicated that fewer than a third of those working beyond their contracted hours were in receipt of overtime pay.
Better workplace support urged for women with endometriosis
Mother-of-two Samantha Gelder has called for better workplace support for women with endometriosis, saying she felt many employers "didn't understand" the condition. Gelder said she had undergone repeated operations since she was diagnosed, and often needed to take prolonged periods of time off work. She said she had felt "unsupported" by previous employers and felt unable to pursue some senior roles due to the lack of provision. Gelder spoke to the BBC after Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP Gill Furniss led a debate on the impact of endometriosis on women in the workplace. According to Endometriosis UK, one in six women with endometriosis has to leave the workplace due to their condition. A spokesperson for the charity said it was "unacceptable" and "vital" that government and employers take action to protect those with endometriosis from "unfair practices" in the workplace. "We hope government will take note of the changes needed to better support those with endometriosis at work - including amendments to the Employment Rights Bill," the spokesperson said.
LEGAL
Reynolds ‘will not yet commit to backing miscarriage leave amendment'
Some MPs are advocating for a two-week bereavement leave for those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said he could not yet commit to supporting it, suggesting that a “better mechanism” might exist outside the Employment Rights Bill. Currently, statutory parental bereavement leave applies only to stillbirths after 24 weeks. The Women and Equalities Committee, led by Sarah Owen, argues that “the case for a minimum standard in law is overwhelming,” observing that over one in five pregnancies end before 24 weeks.
Whistleblowers accuse Evri of employing people on ‘slave drivers contract’
Liam Byrne, chairman of the Commons business and trade committee, said on Tuesday that he had been “inundated with feedback” from people who worked for  delivery company Evri, complaining of inaccurate payment, unachievable targets, wage reductions, bullying and intimidation, exploitation of vulnerable workers and other issues. His comments came as MPs grilled representatives from Evri, Deliveroo and clothes retailers Frasers Group and Uniqlo.
High Court rules disability cuts unlawful
The High Court has deemed the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) consultation on proposed cuts to disability benefits as "unlawful" due to its "unfair and misleading" nature. The changes, which aimed to reform the work capability assessment (WCA), could have left nearly 500,000 claimants up to £416.19 worse off monthly. Mr Justice Calver described the consultation as "rushed" and failing to consider the significant impact on vulnerable individuals, saying it could "potentially drive vulnerable people into poverty." Disability activist Ellen Clifford expressed her joy at the ruling, and urged the government to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of disabled claimants. The government plans to re-consult on the WCA changes while aiming to achieve the same £1.3bn in savings previously outlined.
HIRING
Labour’s policies are 'a hindrance' to hiring, REC says
Data from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) reveals that the number of job vacancies in the UK has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.44m active postings in December. This marks a 5.5% decrease from November and a nearly 17% drop in new job postings. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that vacancies have decreased for 29 consecutive quarters, marking the longest contraction since 2000. Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, said: “The UK has just experienced its longest jobs market contraction since 2000.” He added that Labour’s policies feel “more of a hindrance than a help” but he remains hopeful for a recovery by 2025.
WORKFORCE
Tax changes threaten retail jobs, claims Next boss
Next CEO Lord Wolfson says he is concerned that the rise in National Insurance could lead to reduced hours or job cuts. The retailer's wage bill is set to increase by £70m, and he warns that "the axe has fallen particularly hard on those entry-level, National Living Wage jobs." Lord Wolfson is calling for a staggered implementation of tax changes to mitigate the impact on employment. He has also raised concerns about a new workers' rights bill that he says could complicate staffing during peak seasons.
Currys says it will be forced to outsource staff to India
Currys is set to increase its reliance on outsourcing to India due to rising employment costs in the UK, says the electrical retailer's chief executive Alex Baldock. The company anticipates an additional £30m in costs following the Chancellor's recent Budget, which introduced a £25bn National Insurance tax on employers and a 6.7% minimum wage increase. Baldock expressed concern that the policies could harm job creation, saying: "The National Insurance tax is a tax on jobs that doesn't benefit colleagues at all."
INTERNATIONAL
Walmart faces backlash over DEI cuts
Thirteen state attorneys general and a group of more than 30 shareholders representing $266bn in funds have urged Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon to rethink the company's recent decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a public letter, the officials expressed concern over Walmart's closure of its Center for Racial Equity, the cessation of equity training, the phasing out of supplier diversity programs, and the removal of the terms "diversity" and "DEI" from company documents. The letter highlights the significant implications of these changes on the company's commitment to equity and inclusion. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat, said: “There could be economic pressure from the other side of things which is, quite frankly, the majority of the United States. Women and minorities buy as well, have purchasing power as well." He added: “On the heels of George Floyd’s murder, Walmart had stepped forth and said that we’re making a commitment to the very thing that they’re now abandoning. So I question how genuine that commitment was."
What's the secret to Denmark's happy work-life balance?
BBC News looks at why Denmark is consistently among the top five countries in the world for work-life balance rankings. Only 1.1% of Danes have to work 50 or more hours a week, according to the most recent global figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). That's a significantly lower proportion than the world average of 10.2%. By contrast, the figure for the UK is 10.8%, and the US is 10.4%. Meik Wiking, author of the book The Art of Danish Living, and who is also the boss of Danish think tank The Happiness Research Institute, identifies several policies that he believes help generate a strong work-life balance in Denmark, including the right to a minimum five weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to public holidays. Denmark also offers a very generous six months of paid maternity and paternity leave. Janine Leschke, a professor in the department of management, society and communication at the Copenhagen Business School, says Denmark is definitely "not a work culture where you have to show up and be available all day, all evening, to show that you're working hard all the time."
Greek call centre workers are on strike
Employees at business outsourcing service company Teleperformance in Greece who provide customer service for major tech firms including Apple, Google, and Netflix are on strike, alleging retaliation against union activities and excessive monitoring. Approximately 12,000 workers are demanding improved working conditions, including permanent contracts, fair wages, job security, and reduced hours. The unrest began in early 2024 due to stagnant wages and increasing productivity pressures. Nikos Spyrelis, a worker and president of the Setep union, said: "We are constantly monitored, recorded, and pressured to increase productivity." Many employees face high living costs, and some report harassment and bullying. Despite the ongoing strikes, Teleperformance has yet to agree to a collective labour contract, leaving workers' concerns unaddressed.
China eyes buying factories for foothold in Germany, source says
Chinese officials and automakers are showing interest in acquiring German factories, particularly those of Volkswagen, which is planning closures amid economic challenges. A source revealed that such a move could enhance China's influence in Germany's prestigious auto industry. "We are committed to finding a continued use for the site," a Volkswagen spokesperson said, highlighting the company's focus on viable solutions for its operations. The potential investment comes as Chinese companies seek to establish a manufacturing presence in Europe to avoid EU tariffs on electric vehicles. Investment decisions would hinge on the new German government's stance towards China following an election in February, the source said.
OTHER
Australian bootmaker will have to change name for overseas sales
Australian brand UGG boots will have to change its name for overseas customers after being sued by US firm Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Todd Springthorpe of the Australian firm said: “We’ve been proudly making Australian boots for over five decades and three generations. We also own the trademark in Australia and New Zealand, where the boots originated - where UGG boots originated.” He noted the difficulties in fighting a lawsuit against a multi-billion-dollar firm such as Deckers. Instead of UGG Since 1974, the band will now be known outside of Australia and New Zealand as Since 1974. 
 


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