Human Times

European Edition

4th September 2025

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THE HOT STORY

Spain's job market faces summer slump

Spain's unemployment figures reached 2.42m in August, with 199,300 jobs lost compared to July, marking the worst August since 2019. The Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration reported 21.6m people employed, a rise of 476,801 from August 2024. Job losses affected various sectors, including education and construction. Valentín Bote, Director of Randstad Research, noted a gap between actual and registered unemployment, stating: "The former has not fallen since the labour reform." Despite challenges, Minister Elma Saiz described the labour market as performing favourably.

Sur in English.com

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WORKFORCE

Romanian PM pushes for workforce cuts

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced plans to reduce the local administration workforce by 10%, equating to approximately 13,000 employees from the current total of 129,000. This decision is part of a broader local administration reform that the ruling coalition aims to finalise within two weeks. Bolojan stated: "The cuts are necessary for efficiency." The proposed changes reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government operations in Romania.

Romaniapress

Luxembourg pension reform agreement reached

The Luxembourg government has reached initial agreements on pension reform, maintaining the retirement age at 65. Starting in 2026, early retirement conditions will gradually adjust, extending contribution periods by eight months. The pension contribution rate will rise from 24% to 25.5%. Other agreements include counting complementary periods towards pensions and increasing tax deductions for private contributions. Prime Minister Luc Frieden called it a “great step forward,” while OGBL union president Nora Back expressed disappointment over unmet demands from protests. The government also secured changes to collective bargaining and retail working hours.

Luxembourg Times

Platform workers face precarious conditions

The Fairwork Report 2025 reveals that platform workers in Luxembourg face precarious conditions, often lacking contracts and social security. David Angel from OGBL stated that many workers are in vulnerable situations, particularly those with migration backgrounds. The report highlights that platforms like Uber Eats and Bolt scored zero points for failing to meet fair work principles. Despite a recent EU directive aimed at improving conditions, many platforms continue to operate without adequate protections.

Luxembourg Times

LEGAL

Wolt to challenge court ruling on couriers

Wolt plans to appeal a ruling by Finland's Supreme Administrative Court that classified its couriers as employees rather than independent contractors. The company argues the court erred by not considering a related case involving the European Court of Justice and Yodel, which suggested couriers could be self-employed if they work for multiple firms. Wolt's VP of global public policy, Samuel Laurinkari, stated: "It affects everyone from doctors to house cleaners to babysitters, in principle all work that is carried out on digital platforms." The ruling could significantly impact platform-based employment in Finland.

YLE Uutiset

HEALTH & SAFETY

Migrant workers need permanent contracts

The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has urged employers to provide permanent contracts for migrant workers, who currently face high rates of workplace accidents. Research indicates that 88% of these workers are on temporary contracts, which contributes to unsafe conditions. OVV chairman Chris van Dan stated: "We see a clear link between flexible employment relationships and the unsafe working conditions." The OVV highlighted the need for employers in sectors like construction and agriculture to improve job security and working conditions for migrant workers, who often endure poor housing and long commutes.

NL Times

DutchNews.nl

SUSTAINABILITY

Dutch pension fund drops BlackRock

PFZW, one of Europe’s largest pension funds with €250bn in assets, has withdrawn a €14.5bn mandate from BlackRock, citing concerns over the firm’s voting record on sustainability. The decision underscores growing tensions between European and American investors over ESG standards. While US firms have pulled back from sustainability amid shifting political winds, Dutch activists are pressing pension funds to cut ties with managers not backing climate resolutions. PFZW confirmed that BlackRock now manages only a smaller portion of its money market holdings. According to BlackRock, its support for environmental and social recommendations from shareholders decreased from 4% in 2024 to 2% in 2025. The asset manager said many of them lacked economic merit or were unduly prescriptive, which is why they fell.

Financial Times

The Times

ESG

UK businesses lag in charity support

Most UK businesses are not supporting charities, according to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) report. Only 25% of firms donated last year, with larger companies showing slightly better engagement at 44%. Total donations reached £4.26bn in 2024, a decrease from £4.29bn in 2023. FTSE 100 firms contributed £1.85bn, but inflation-adjusted donations fell by £185m. Only 24 of these firms donated at least 1% of pre-tax profits, down from 28. CAF's chief executive, Neil Heslop, stated: "Corporate giving is not an optional extra." He urged the government to enhance transparency in corporate giving.

The I

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Unilever chief aims to cut 'mediocrity' in jobs shake-up

Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez plans to replace 50 of the firm's 200 top managers to eliminate "pockets of mediocrity" and refocus on growth at the consumer goods group.

Financial Times

C-suite romances lead to CEO exits

The recent ousting of Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe highlights a troubling trend of C-suite executives losing their positions due to office romances. Freixe's dismissal follows similar cases, including Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Kohl CEO Ashley Buchanan. Kabrina Chang, a business ethics professor, remarked: "It confounds me that in 2025 they think they can get away with this.” The Society for Human Resource Management's 2025 report indicates that 67% of HR professionals view perceived favouritism as a major concern. Despite the risks, many employees still engage in workplace relationships, raising questions about corporate ethics and transparency.

Financial Review

The Japan Times Online

CORPORATE

ArcelorMittal halts production amid energy crisis

ArcelorMittal Hunedoara, a Romanian steel plant, will suspend production starting tomorrow due to soaring electricity prices and import competition. The company plans to extend its technical unemployment measures beyond September 30 indefinitely. A spokesperson stated: "We are facing significant challenges that necessitate this decision." The suspension highlights the ongoing struggles within the steel industry amid rising operational costs.

Romaniapress

Auchan franchise network hits 50 stores

Auchan Romania has opened its 50th Simply by Auchan franchise store, marking significant growth in the proximity retail segment. These stores, located in 14 counties, support local entrepreneurs by providing a comprehensive package of products and services. The franchise format has seen high demand, particularly in Ilfov County, which hosts eight stores. Franchisees receive operational support and training, with an investment recovery period typically under two years.

Thediplomat.ro

PRODUCTIVITY

Employees embrace AI, companies scramble

Employees are increasingly adopting AI tools independently, creating challenges for companies. According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index, 75% of employees use AI at work, with 80% of users in small and medium-sized firms bringing their own tools. This trend, known as Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI), raises significant risks, including data privacy issues. Nearly 60% of employees reported making mistakes due to AI errors. Allison Spagnolo, chief privacy officer at Guidepost Solution, stated: "When employees use external AI services without the knowledge of their employers... we tend to think about risks like data loss." Companies must adapt by empowering employees with clear guidelines and training.

Fast Company

Clock botching: The new workplace trend

“Clock botching” is a rising trend where employees appear busy but fail to produce meaningful results. Ryan Zhang, CEO of Notta.ai, explains that this behaviour stems from burnout and disengagement, not laziness. He states: “Clock botching occurs when employees are physically there but emotionally gone.” This trend can lead to decreased productivity and morale, affecting entire teams. Alari Aho, CEO of Toggl Hire, warns that ignoring early signs of disengagement risks spreading the issue. Companies should focus on addressing the root causes to improve employee engagement and retention.

Forbes

INTERNATIONAL

US firms boost profits via efficiency

American companies are beating earnings forecasts by cutting costs, raising prices, and relying on automation rather than consumer spending. C.H. Robinson’s CFO Damon Lee said: “The outcome of those transformations means less head count, more productivity,” after reporting 35% productivity gains since 2022. Monster Beverage and Estée Lauder also cut jobs to lift profits, while Spectrum Brands cited tariffs and weak demand. Despite S&P 500 earnings per share rising 13% in Q2, worker surveys show falling morale, with many asked to do more with less. Analysts warn prolonged strain could trigger a downturn, erode long-term resilience, and weaken consumer confidence.

Wall Street Journal

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