Future of Work
-
UK unemployment hits 5 per cent as labour market cools
The UK’s unemployment rate has reached 5 per cent — its highest level in four years. Labour-market data from the Office for National Statistics suggest hiring has slowed sharply, raising pressure on the government’s forthcoming Autumn Budget and signalling a broader shift from worker shortages to labour-market slack.
-
From nice-to-have to non-negotiable: Wellbeing is a boardroom issue
Workplace wellbeing is no longer a peripheral concern. Sarah McIntosh, CEO of Mental Health First Aid England, argues that supporting employee mental health is both a moral and business imperative. As poor wellbeing drives record economic inactivity, new standards aim to make mental health a boardroom priority.
-
Keep Britain Working Review calls for ‘new deal’ on health and work
Britain faces a quiet but urgent crisis, says the new Keep Britain Working Review. One in five adults is out of work due to ill-health. The government’s review calls for a shared-responsibility model — with employers, employees, and government working together to make work healthier and more inclusive.
-
PwC and Amazon shrink workforces as AI investments reshape strategy
Two global giants are reshaping their workforces through AI-driven restructuring. PwC and Amazon have each announced major headcount reductions tied to automation investment and slower growth. Both moves highlight how large employers are shifting from expansion to productivity, using artificial intelligence to redefine roles, structures, and future hiring priorities.
-
AI may deepen workplace undervaluation, Perkonomics Report finds
AI is widening the value gap at work. A new Perkbox study of 5,000 UK participants finds employees increasingly feel less recognised as AI tools spread. While most employers see the technology as positive, many workers report it diminishes personal credit and sense of accomplishment.
-
Labour urged to keep youth wage rates
Labour urged to rethink youth wage policy amid rising Neet numbers. A report warns nearly one million young people are out of education, employment or training, as Labour considers scrapping lower minimum wage rates for young workers.
-
MHFA England opens consultation on workplace mental health standards
MHFA England launches consultation on workplace standards. Mental Health First Aid England has opened a public consultation on new standards to guide best practice for embedding mental health support in the workplace — aiming to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing across UK businesses.
-
Lucid expands AI and productivity tools for enterprise agility
Lucid announced major AI upgrades to accelerate enterprise adoption. The company unveiled Lucid AI, a suite of intelligent collaboration tools, alongside expanded platform accelerators and new integrations aimed at closing the gap between AI’s promise and business execution.
-
Tax hikes drive job automation
Tax hikes and wage pressures threaten UK jobs with automation. Rising costs are prompting UK firms to consider automation and offshoring, according to Hays. The financial strain, exacerbated by tax increases, is impacting the jobs market significantly.
-
Heriot-Watt launches online academy for professionals
Heriot-Watt University launches a global Professional Academy. The online platform offers more than 50 stackable, university-credited courses designed to help professionals upskill rapidly while building towards postgraduate qualifications. Courses span business, psychology, sustainability, and specialist sectors, with content co-developed alongside leading industry partners.