Sunday 1 November
124 briefs · US Eastern time
- United States·Policy & Law
Indiaspora warns proposed H-1B restrictions could hurt US and India economies and deepen talent gaps
Indiaspora, a US-based nonprofit representing the Indian diaspora, warned in an October 30 statement that proposed restrictions on H-1B holders and other foreign professionals could weaken the US economy and worsen workforce shortages. It urged political leaders across party lines to reject anti-Indian rhetoric and recognize the contributions of skilled international workers.
- Asia-Pacific·News
Goyal's remarks on Indians not watching the clock spark debate on working hours, op-ed says
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal told investors at the India-Netherlands Business Forum in The Hague on 26 October that Indians want to work hard and "nobody in India will tell you it's five o'clock". The remarks drew criticism over long working hours and work-life balance. An HR Katha editorial argues the intended message was less provocative than the debate suggests.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
HR Katha POV: Is distributed talent becoming India's new workforce strategy?
An HR Katha point-of-view feature says India's talent map is shifting from metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad toward Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Edelweiss Life CHRO Saba Adil says distributed talent is a strategic advantage only if employees in every location get equal access to growth.
- Europe·Research
Spiegel: Employment lawyer explains when secret AI use at work can lead to dismissal
Spiegel reports that millions of employees use AI at work, many in secret. Employment lawyer Anton Barrein explains when dismissal may be a risk and what employers and employees should agree to avoid it.
- Global·Research
ILO reports EU-Bangladesh Talent Partnership results: over 1,000 trained, 776 assessed as competent
The ILO presented results from the EU-Bangladesh Talent Partnership, reporting more than 1,000 people trained and 776 assessed as competent across 12 occupations. Speaking in Dublin, it recommended faster, cheaper and more usable skills recognition across EU Member States. The project upskills Bangladeshi migrant workers and supports legal, safe migration pathways.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Japan sets combined cap of about 1.23 million foreign workers across 19 sectors through fiscal 2028
Mainichi Shimbun explains that Japan has set a combined cap of about 1.23 million foreign workers across 19 sectors through the end of fiscal 2028, including about 800,000 under the Specified Skilled Worker program. That program began in 2019; type (i) status allows up to five years' stay. In April 2027 Japan will launch the Employment for Skill Development program, a three-year training scheme run alongside it.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Jobs and Skills Australia: 45% of recruiting employers report hiring difficulty in September quarter 2026
Jobs and Skills Australia's Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey found 45% of recruiting employers reported hiring difficulty in the September quarter of 2026, up from 42% a year earlier, while the share recruiting fell three points to 47%. Difficulty was highest for Technicians and Trades Workers at 65%. By industry, Manufacturing reached 58% and Construction 56%.
- Europe·News
Around 220 ex Ilva Taranto contractor workers furloughed as wage support stalls over INPS portal access
About 220 workers at ex Ilva Taranto contractors have been placed on furlough, some since Oct. 12 under the special wage support in the latest decree, but company consultants cannot yet access the INPS portal. INPS says it awaits ministry instructions, putting payments at risk. More firms are expected to suspend staff; the decree is before Senate committees.
- Asia-Pacific·Product
Free smartphone tool 'Shuro Passport Maker' launched for job seekers with disabilities in Japan
Nico Nico News reports that a tool called 'Shuro Passport Maker' has been released for job seekers with disabilities in Japan. Users can create a work passport and resume for free on a smartphone.
- Global·Research
SHRPA 2026 survey: only 22% of APAC and Middle East organisations lead enterprise-wide AI transformation
The SHRPA 2026 Business & HR Leaders Survey found 41% of organisations across APAC and the Middle East are still experimenting with AI, 37% are at functional adoption and only 22% lead enterprise-wide AI transformation. The Middle East has the most organisations at functional adoption, followed by SEA, while India has the most still piloting or yet to start. AI adoption is highest in hiring and HR operations.
- China·News
Sinograin launches 2027 campus recruitment, applications open until 15 November
China Reserve Grain Management Group (Sinograin) has issued its 2027 campus recruitment notice for 2027 graduates and 2026 graduates without jobs. Online applications run from 30 October to 15 November 2026, with one position per applicant. Written tests are tentatively set for late November to early December.
- Europe·Research
Vozpopuli: turnover of permanent contracts doubles under Spain's labour reform
Spanish outlet Vozpopuli reports that turnover of permanent contracts has doubled under Spain's labour reform.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Zero modern slavery grievances should worry employers, Avetta says, as Australia weighs failure-to-prevent offence
Avetta's Lynda Richards told HRD that logging zero modern slavery grievances in a year should be seen as a warning sign. A Monash-led report weeks earlier found grievance and remediation disclosure in FY2024 modern slavery statements of 39 large ASX 100 Financials and Materials companies remains underdeveloped. The federal government is weighing a criminal offence for large companies that fail to prevent modern slavery in supply chains.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Keolis Downer Hunter senior and salaried staff to vote on ASU industrial action, ballot closes 16 November
Senior and salaried staff at Keolis Downer Hunter will vote on protected industrial action after the company did not object to the ASU's ballot application. Voting closes on 16 November 2026, with True Vote Pty Ltd running the ballot.
- China·Research
ThePaper analysis: 64.3% of big tech autumn campus roles mention AI, over half of non-technical roles do
ThePaper's analysis of big internet firms' autumn campus roles found 64.3% mention AI and 58.6% are AI-penetrated; the rate is 80.3% for technical roles, while over half of non-technical roles mention AI. Maimai data shows AI penetration of new campus roles rose from 26.41% to 37.56% over two years. Career International reports operations roles requiring AI rose from 2.9% to 9.7% in three years.
- Asia-Pacific·People
Jindal Steel president and HR head Sukhjit Pasricha resigns after three months
Sukhjit S Pasricha has resigned as president and head – human resources at Jindal Steel, ending his tenure on 31 October 2026, about three months after joining. The company disclosed this in a stock exchange filing; he cited personal commitments. His appointment was announced on 23 July 2026, after he served as group CHRO at IndiGo.
- Europe·News
Virgin Media O2 reportedly plans around 4,000 job cuts, a quarter of its workforce
Virgin Media O2 is reportedly preparing to cut around 4,000 jobs, about a quarter of its 16,000 staff, Sky News reported. The final number has not been set, and cuts would fall mainly on non-customer-facing roles. The company, owned by Liberty Global and Telefónica, has not confirmed the plans and declined to comment.
- China·Policy & Law
Shanxi's Jincheng issues plan to extend long-term care insurance to all urban and rural residents
Jincheng city in Shanxi has issued an implementation plan to extend long-term care insurance from employees to all urban and rural residents. Coverage includes employers, employees, retirees, flexible workers and non-employed residents under city-level pooling. Government fully subsidises extremely poor residents and 80% of contributions for low-income recipients; initial benefits focus on severely disabled people.
- United States·Policy & Law
Full Fifth Circuit to rehear NLRB ruling on Trader Joe's firing over Covid-19 safety complaints
The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Friday granted Trader Joe's request for en banc rehearing of a February 2026 divided panel decision. The panel had upheld an NLRB finding that the company's Houston store illegally fired a worker for raising Covid-19 safety concerns. Judge Andrew Oldham dissented in the earlier ruling.
- China·Research
NetEase article asks whether 2026 retiree pensions will rise
A NetEase News article discusses whether pensions for retired employees in China will rise in 2026 and related social security updates.
- China·Policy & Law
2026 retiree pension adjustment not yet announced; MOHRSS gives positive signal
Sohu reported on Nov. 2 that China's 2026 retiree pension adjustment has not yet been announced, though the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has given a positive signal. No rate or timing is specified.
- Asia-Pacific·News
KPMG Australia reportedly cutting up to 400 roles by end of November, taking total to about 800
KPMG Australia is reportedly cutting up to 400 roles by the end of November, according to the Australian Financial Review citing two sources close to the firm. Consulting and internal business services are expected to be hit hardest. Together with about 400 cuts in August under 'Project Vector', total redundancies reach about 800 of 9,000 staff, amid scandals over client data misuse and whistleblower handling.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Skilled-visa nomination sinks formwork contractor's genuine redundancy defence, but dismissal stands
Australia's Fair Work Commission ruled a formwork contractor lost its genuine redundancy defence after nominating its engineer for a skilled visa as a Civil Engineer. It still found the dismissal was not unfair. It said it would have refused any remedy because of the worker's access to company IT systems after dismissal.
- China·Research
Workers' Daily commentary urges tighter rules and enforcement against 'soft layoffs' that push employees to quit
A commentary by Workers' Daily's website (workercn.cn) says some employers use unilateral demotion, pay cuts, heavier appraisals or restructuring to force staff to resign, a practice dubbed 'soft layoffs'. Citing a Changzhou mall case, it says such cases are hard to prove and calls for clearer legal rules, stronger enforcement and better dispute resolution.
- China·Policy & Law
Shaanxi's nine departments issue 10 measures to support returning talent in starting businesses and finding jobs
Nine Shaanxi provincial departments, including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, jointly issued 10 measures to support returning talent in entrepreneurship and employment. They provide one-time startup subsidies for eligible graduates, hard-to-employ people and returning migrant workers whose first business has operated over one year, plus rent relief and subsidized guaranteed loans. Cities and counties will set up one-stop services.
- Asia-Pacific·News
Punjab Roadways, PRTC contract workers' union announces three-day strike from Nov 16
The Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and PRTC Contract Workers Union announced a three-day strike from November 16, citing unfulfilled government assurances. It warned of an indefinite statewide strike if grievances are not resolved. Union leaders said the government had promised at an October 29 meeting to place PUNBUS service rules before the cabinet to pave the way for regularising contract workers.
- Global·Research
India Today: Big Tech job cuts come in successive waves amid restructuring and AI-led change
India Today reports that Big Tech companies are cutting jobs in successive rounds amid restructuring and AI-led change. It says the repeated reductions are prolonging uncertainty and reshaping employment prospects for tech workers.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Canada immigration: high-paying jobs worth up to 150 extra points, expert warns of loophole use
Canada's immigration points system reportedly awards up to 150 additional points for high-paying jobs, according to cacnews.ca. An expert warns some applicants have begun exploiting the rule.
- Global·Research
Global Equity Study 2026: 81% view employer DEI favourably, yet many report exclusion from informal networks
Treasury Today Group's Global Equity Study 2026, supported by Standard Chartered, found 81% of respondents view their organisation's DEI approach favourably and 78% agree diversity improves performance. Many still reported exclusion from informal networks, and 35% said they are uncomfortable discussing mental health at work.
- China·News
Shandong holds Zaozhuang graduate job fair with 200-plus employers and 3,624 vacancies
Shandong's 2026 Golden Autumn Recruitment Month job fair for graduates was held at Zaozhuang University on October 20, organised by the provincial human resources and social security department and the Zaozhuang government. More than 200 employers took part and posted 3,624 vacancies; 4,200 job seekers joined online and offline.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Canada's added points for skilled immigration spark debate; experts warn system open to abuse
VanPeople reports that Canada's added points for skilled immigration have sparked controversy, with experts warning the system could be exploited.
- Asia-Pacific·Partnership
SBS Transit commits to 300 cumulative inclusive hires by 2030 in MOU with SG Enable
SBS Transit signed an MOU with SG Enable on 29 October 2026, committing to 300 cumulative inclusive hires by 2030 across its workforce and service-provider network. Singapore's resident PwD employment rate rose from 31.4% in 2022 to 34.7% in 2025, against a 40% target for 2030.
- China·News
Qingdao holds autumn job fair for state-owned firms, plans to hire nearly 2,500 people
Qingdao held an autumn job fair for state-owned enterprises on 31 October at the China Ocean Talent Market (Shandong), with online and offline plans to hire nearly 2,500 people. Roles focus on next-generation IT, marine equipment, integrated circuits and smart appliances. Ocean University of China and Tongji University also signed talent agreements with Qingdao firms.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Peru's Labor Ministry approves national protocol on prevention, evacuation and safe return of workers after El Niño
Peru's Ministry of Labor has approved a national protocol setting out prevention, evacuation and safe-return measures to protect workers after the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
- Europe·Policy & Law
EHRC updates technical guidance on sexual harassment as 'all reasonable steps' duty takes effect 30 October
The EHRC has updated its technical guidance following changes to harassment legislation that came into force on 30 October 2026. Employers must now take 'all reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment of workers and harassment by third parties. The guidance sets out the test a tribunal may apply, and says third-party harassment covers all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
- United States·News
Ann Arbor and AFSCME Local 369 reach tentative agreement on contract through 2028
The city of Ann Arbor announced a tentative agreement with AFSCME Local 369, which represents about 300 city workers. If approved, the contract would run through 2028 and includes increased compensation and improved benefits. Members have worked without a contract since the previous one expired in December 2025.
- China·Research
Workers' Daily: online tests and AI interviews now standard in China's campus hiring, leaving applicants worn out
Workers' Daily reports that online assessments and AI interviews have become standard in China's autumn campus hiring, with applicants citing repetitive questions, tight deadlines and little feedback. About 12.7 million graduates are expected in 2026. Beisen says AI interviews cut one bank's first-round cycle to under 7 days. Experts urge simpler tests and clearer limits on AI hiring.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
WTW 2026 India benefits survey: nearly 8 in 10 organisations streamline vendors and redesign well-being programmes
WTW's 2026 India benefits survey found nearly 8 in 10 Indian organisations are streamlining vendors, redesigning well-being programmes and reallocating spending towards higher-impact solutions. ETHRWorld reports employers are shifting from surface-level perks to employee experience strategies tied to retention, productivity and satisfaction.
- Europe·Policy & Law
German Federal Labour Court: fixed-term clause in court settlement invalid without judicial involvement
Anwalt.de reports that Germany's Federal Labour Court (BAG) has overturned a contract end date agreed in a court settlement made without judicial involvement.
- Europe·Research
KI-Führungsmonitor examines how German managers use AI in decision-making
The KI-Führungsmonitor examines how managers in Germany use AI in decision-making and what changes as a result. Haufe published the key findings.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Japan's MHLW designates November karoshi prevention awareness month, to hold 48 symposiums across 47 prefectures
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare said November is Karoshi Prevention Awareness Month and that it will hold 48 symposiums across 47 prefectures with private groups. Experts and bereaved families will speak; attendance is free and open to all.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Vietnam decree sets VND 3 billion capital threshold for foreign investors' work permit exemption
Vietnam's government issued Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP on October 22, 2026, covering 18 categories of foreign workers exempt from work permits. Foreign investors who own or contribute VND 3 billion or more in capital to a company in Vietnam qualify. The decree takes effect on December 5, 2026.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexico's Federal Labor Law: what workers must be paid if they work on 2 November
El Informador reports on what Mexico's Federal Labor Law and the federal labor defense attorney's office (Profedet) establish about pay for work on public holidays. The piece explains what workers should be paid if they work on 2 November.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Usdaw welcomes requirement on employers to prevent harassment and grant union access to workplaces
UK shopworkers' union Usdaw has welcomed a requirement on employers to prevent harassment and to grant trade unions access to workplaces. The news was published by the Institute of Employment Rights.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Saga Prefecture minimum wage rises 65 yen to 1,095 yen an hour from November 15, 2026
Saga Prefecture's minimum wage will rise by 65 yen to 1,095 yen per hour from November 15, 2026 (Reiwa 8). A business improvement subsidy is also available for small and medium-sized firms that raise their in-workplace minimum wage by 50 yen or more and invest in productivity-enhancing equipment.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Ho Chi Minh City social insurance agency urges workers to check their own contribution records
Ho Chi Minh City's social insurance agency advises workers to proactively check their social insurance participation records to protect their rights. It says late or evaded employer contributions can directly affect sickness, maternity and pension payments. Under the law, workers are eligible only for periods in which contributions were paid and conditions met.
- Asia-Pacific·News
Darwin Port workers vote unanimously for protected industrial action, seeking 5% annual rise and A$5,000 sign-on payment
Workers at Darwin Port have voted unanimously in favour of protected industrial action, with strikes possible within about a week. The Maritime Union of Australia is seeking higher wages, a sign-on payment and increased superannuation. The report cites demands of 5% a year and a $5,000 sign-on payment.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexican senator Bañuelos files motion urging STPS, SEP, DIF and Sipinna to strengthen child labor prevention
Mexican Senator Geovanna Bañuelos of the PT filed a non-binding motion (punto de acuerdo) urging STPS, SEP, DIF and Sipinna to strengthen coordination and policies to prevent and eradicate child labor. It prioritizes states and sectors with higher incidence, per a Senate bulletin of 1 November.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Fair Work Commission upholds JBS dismissal of meatworker over excessive force on cattle and unapproved job swap
The Fair Work Commission upheld JBS Australia's dismissal of a long-serving labourer at its Dinmore meat processing plant. It found excessive force with a flapper and a deliberate move into an unapproved role gave JBS a valid reason, though it rejected the company's description of the conduct as whipping.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Japan: 1,299 karoshi-related work injury approvals in FY2025, record 1,082 for mental disorders
Japan's health ministry reported 1,299 approved karoshi-related work injury cases in FY2025. Mental disorder approvals rose by 26 to a record 1,082, versus 217 for brain and heart disease. Mental disorder claims jumped by 1,178 to 4,958; 143 cases involved suicide or attempts.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Kanagawa's September job-openings-to-applicants ratio at 0.83, flat from August
Kanagawa Prefecture's job-openings-to-applicants ratio for September was 0.83, unchanged from the previous month, Kanaloco reported, describing the employment situation as stalled.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Fair Work Commission orders Uber to reactivate Brisbane driver after finding deactivation unfair
Australia's Fair Work Commission ordered Uber to restore a Brisbane driver's access after finding his deactivation over four rider complaints was unfair. Uber had already reactivated him once despite three of the same complaints, and its internal review found GPS data supported his version of one.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Fair Work Commission's 53,666 lodgments: what the numbers show about AI and dismissal claims
The Fair Work Commission counted 53,666 lodgments in 2025-26, according to onnotice.com.au. The article draws on the Commission's lodgments tables and commissioned research to examine growth, generative AI, general protections and disputes, and notes caveats in the figures.
- United States·Policy & Law
University of Alaska staff union files three unfair labor practice complaints amid contract talks
The Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity (CAUSE-UAW) filed three unfair labor practice complaints with the Alaska Labor Relations Agency, accusing the University of Alaska of violating state labor law. The union says job descriptions for hundreds of members were changed on Oct. 26, effectively removing them from the unit. The sides are working toward a March 19 contract deadline.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Expert warns Republican midterm win could mean tougher H-1B rules, tariffs for India
Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad told ANI on Sunday that a Republican victory in the US midterms keeping power unchecked in President Trump's hands could have a significant negative impact on India, particularly on H-1B visas, tariff pressures and strict immigration curbs. The remarks are the expert's assessment.
- United States·Policy & Law
Batesville Products strikers win NLRB Region 9 ruling clearing path to union vote
Striking workers at Batesville Products Inc. in Lawrenceburg, Indiana won an NLRB Region 9 ruling on October 27, Fight Back! News reported. Teamsters Local 135 seeks to represent about 18 machinists, polishers and shipping clerks; the regional director found the machine shop and Aurora foundry are separate facilities, rejecting the company's bid to add about 20 foundry workers to the vote.
- United States·Research
US employer health insurance contributions rise 6.4% year on year; ACA premiums seen up 13% in 2027
Employer health insurance contributions in the US rose 6.4% year on year, the fastest pace in two decades, per Fortune citing the BLS Employment Cost Index. Q3 wages and salaries rose 3.1%. KFF estimates ACA marketplace premiums will rise 13% in 2027, after a 26% jump in 2026.
- Asia-Pacific·Product
India's EPFO launches WhatsApp services for PF balance, passbook and latest five transactions
Indian labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday launched WhatsApp-based services for EPFO subscribers, letting them check PF balance, passbook details and their latest five transactions, plus guidance on PMVBRY requirements, per a labour ministry statement. At EPFO's 74th Foundation Day he also launched automatic settlement for eligible inoperative EPF accounts.
- Europe·Policy & Law
France meal voucher reform bill would systematize supermarket use from 2028; restaurateurs object as Senate prepares review
France's National Assembly adopted on 12 October a bill to modernise meal vouchers, which would systematize their use in supermarkets for all food products from 1 January 2028. The Senate is about to examine it, while restaurant unions denounce a departure from the scheme's original purpose.
- Europe·Research
French survey: nearly three in four employees use generative AI at work, only 37% of users stick to approved tools
A Greenworking and Ipsos BVA survey published in September 2026, cited by Capital.fr, found only 45% of private-sector employees say their firm has officially deployed generative AI, and 37% of users always stick to approved tools. Researcher George Kassar's ongoing study drew about 230 responses; two of eight interviewees were found out. The article reviews disciplinary and dismissal risks.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexico's reform cutting the workweek from 48 to 40 hours is published; first reduction and electronic time-tracking take effect 1 Jan 2027
According to a Sesame release, Mexico's reform reducing the working week from 48 to 40 hours has been published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación. The first reduction and the obligation to electronically record each employee's working hours take effect on 1 January 2027.
- Europe·News
Loganair cabin crew accept improved pay deal, strike plans dropped after ballot backed action
Strike plans by Loganair cabin crew were dropped after members accepted an improved pay offer, following a ballot that Unite said gave an overwhelming mandate. The two-year deal gives an 8% rise in basic pay backdated to April and a further 8% next April, plus commitments on scheduling and wellbeing.
- Global·Research
ILO: 83% of domestic workers worldwide remain in informal employment
Tchadinfos reports that, according to the ILO, 83% of domestic workers worldwide remain in informal employment.
- Europe·Policy & Law
France: part-time contracts under 24 hours a week allowed only under certain exceptions
France's minimum part-time working time is in principle 24 hours a week (104 hours a month), L'echommerces reports. Under Article L3123-19 of the Labor Code, an extended branch agreement can set a lower minimum under certain conditions, so employers should first check their collective agreement.
- United States·Policy & Law
From 2026, 401(k) catch-up contributions must be Roth for workers earning over $150,000 in prior year
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, starting in 2026 workers eligible for catch-up contributions, generally age 50 or older, who earned more than $150,000 in qualifying prior-year wages from the plan sponsor must make 401(k) catch-up contributions on a Roth basis. The rule does not eliminate catch-up contributions or reduce the amount that can be saved.
- United States·News
San Francisco startup Dimensional advertised $20-an-hour jobs walking robot dogs
Per The New York Times, San Francisco robotics startup Dimensional advertised $20-an-hour jobs walking four-legged robots on outdoor routes of four to six hours, with no experience required and paid training. The ad, posted Oct. 5 in the Facebook group 'Bay Area Jobs', has been deleted. The work aims to collect real-world navigation data.
- United States·Research
Harris Poll: 93% of US job seekers believe they have the AI skills employers want
A 2026 Harris Poll survey for Express Employment Professionals found 93% of U.S. job seekers believe they have the AI skills employers want, while only 35% think firms expect advanced or expert proficiency. Among hiring managers, 41% say candidates need that level and 90% look for at least basic AI proficiency, Benzinga reported.
- China·Policy & Law
Report: new social insurance rules take effect Nov. 1
A NetEase News item reports that new social insurance rules take effect on Nov. 1.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexico's 'Ley Silla' amends Federal Labor Law, bars forcing workers to stand all the time and requires seats with backrests
Mexico's 'Ley Silla' is a reform to the Federal Labor Law, El Cronista reports. It prohibits forcing workers to remain standing at all times or preventing them from sitting periodically. Employers are to provide employees with seats with backrests.
- United States·Research
November 2026 Visa Bulletin: Indian applicants trail Chinese by about eight years in US EB-2, EB-3 green card categories
The US State Department's November 2026 Visa Bulletin shows India's EB-2 final action date at 1 November 2013 versus 1 October 2021 for mainland China. In EB-3, India's cutoff is 22 January 2014 versus 22 January 2022 for China, leaving Indian applicants about eight years behind in both categories.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Revenue per employee rises at India's top five IT firms in Q2 FY27 as AI challenges metric
Revenue per employee rose sequentially at India's top five IT services firms in Q2 FY27, per UnearthInsight data. Tech Mahindra rose 7.1% to $11,123 with headcount down 0.3%; TCS rose 1.5% to $12,778. UnearthInsight CEO Gaurav Vasu said AI agents and subcontracting reduce the metric's relevance.
- Europe·News
Pipedrive plans to cut 267 jobs in Estonia, about 70% of local staff, and close other European offices
Pipedrive announced on Oct. 29 its largest restructuring in 16 years, planning to significantly cut its global workforce, management and office network. Per Estonian daily Äripäev, it plans to cut 219 positions in Tallinn and 48 in Tartu, 70% of its 380 Estonian staff. The Lisbon office (about 220 people) and a Prague site are set to close; Berlin developers are affected.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Japan lists 18 industries open to foreign workers under Specified Skilled Worker (i) programme
Japan has published a list of 18 employment fields open to foreign nationals under its Specified Skilled Worker (i) programme, ranging from nursing care and construction to forestry, railway operations and linen services. Details pages for three newly added fields, including logistics warehousing and resource recycling, are still being developed. The scheme aims to ease labour shortages.
- China·News
Second HR Services Innovation Product Competition finals held in Beijing with AI in focus
The finals of the second HR Services Innovation Product Competition were held on October 30 in Beijing. According to China Youth Daily, AI featured across recruitment assessment, workforce management and compliance, with SaaS systems and AI solutions on show. The contest had two tracks, HR services plus manufacturing and general, judged by experts and employers.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Dominican Labor Ministry publishes 2027 public holiday calendar, two holidays moved to Monday
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Labor has published the 2027 calendar of non-working days under Law 139-97, which moves some holidays falling on Tuesday to Friday to a Monday. Two holidays will be moved to Monday; the rest keep their original dates.
- China·News
50 overseas PhDs tour Nanjing Software Valley to explore AI start-up and OPC support policies
On November 1, 50 overseas PhDs visited Nanjing's Software Valley in Yuhuatai District as part of the first Nanjing Talent Week and the 18th Nanjing overseas Chinese scholars conference. Organized by the Nanjing human resources and social security bureau, the tour covered an AI agent hub and an OPC start-up community. Officials outlined support policies including space subsidies and computing vouchers, and some attendees registered start-up intentions.
- Europe·News
German engineering industry workers begin wage strikes
German engineering industry workers have begun wage strikes, Reuters reported.
- China·Policy & Law
Luoyang details one-time job expansion subsidy of up to RMB 1,500 per eligible hire
Under Luoyang's (Henan) one-time job expansion subsidy, enterprises and social organizations hiring unemployed graduates or registered unemployed youth aged 16-24, with contracts and at least three months of unemployment, work-injury and pension contributions, can receive up to RMB 1,500 per hire. Employers can apply via the Henan social security platform or be identified by social insurance agencies. Each person can be claimed only once.
- China·Policy & Law
Tianjin HR bureau explains unemployment benefits: forced resignations due to employer violations qualify, voluntary resignations for personal reasons do not
Tianjin's human resources and social security authorities explain that claiming unemployment benefits requires insurance enrollment with at least one year of contributions and non-voluntary separation from work. Quitting for personal reasons does not qualify, but resigning under Article 38 of the Labor Contract Law due to employer violations is treated as involuntary. Workers are advised to state the employer's violations in their resignation letter and keep evidence.
- Europe·News
Italy's CGIL publishes 2-8 November strike and dispute calendar ahead of 20 November general strike
CGIL has published its 2-8 November calendar of strikes and disputes, including Electrolux and Mibex and European mobilizations in Brussels, ahead of its 20 November general strike. FP Cgil, Cisl FP and Uil FP declared a national state of agitation over the AIOP-ARIS private healthcare contract. An 8-hour strike is set at Barco in Saronno on 2 November against a collective dismissal procedure.
- China·People
Chery makes two rounds of executive changes in two weeks as Zhang Guibing takes over daily operations
Chery made two rounds of executive changes, per Autohome. On September 23, Zhang Guozhong moved to executive vice president of Chery Holding and Zhang Guibing became executive VP of Chery Automobile. On October 7, the core brand was folded into the global market system, with Zhang overseeing domestic and international units and the global HR center, per a company announcement.
- Middle East & Africa·Partnership
UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Authority for Government Human Resources partner on digital transformation of federal resource planning systems
The UAE Ministry of Finance and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources are partnering to launch a digital transformation project for federal resource planning systems.
- Europe·Funding
Norwegian startup gets €1.7 million seed to expand global hiring platform
A Norwegian startup has raised €1.7 million in seed funding to expand its global hiring platform, BeBeez International reported.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Green-card delays push some Indian professionals back to Ahmedabad, report says, though no citywide trend is established
Interviews with returnees reported by The Times of India show green-card queues, uncertain visa rules, family ties and growing Indian opportunities are drawing some professionals back to Ahmedabad. Urban Acres notes the evidence is mainly interviews and a tax adviser's account of more inquiries, and does not establish a citywide reverse-migration trend.
- Asia-Pacific·Product
Provident fund services launched on WhatsApp in India
Provident fund services have been launched on WhatsApp in India, NDTV reported, allowing employees to access them through the messaging platform.
- Global·Research
Anthropic report: junior share of technical staff falls to 14% as AI squeezes entry-level pathways
Jiemian reports that Anthropic's internal workforce report, released 16 October, shows junior staff in its technical departments fell from 21% to 14%, with new-hire share in technical roles dropping from 27% to 9% in a year. It also cites a Stanford study updated in August finding employment of 22-25-year-olds in AI-exposed fields nearly 19% below historical expectations.
- Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
Tunisia's minimum wage for non-agricultural employees to rise progressively through 2028
Nessma TV reports that the minimum wage (Smig) for non-agricultural employees will rise progressively through 2028.
- United States·Policy & Law
ACA open enrollment for 2027 opens with higher premiums, added identity checks and new limits on immigrant subsidies
NPR reports ACA marketplaces opened Nov. 1 for 2027 coverage, running through Jan. 15 in most states. Changes include premium increases, possible additional identity checks, potential broker delays and new limits on which immigrants can get subsidies. Overall enrollment is expected to keep falling after enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025.
- China·Partnership
Gongpu Education executives visit Zhaopin's Beijing HQ to discuss smart-manufacturing talent and AI job tools
Executives of Gongpu Education Group, including founder Xu Zhiwei, visited Zhaopin's Beijing headquarters on 30 October 2026 to discuss graduate employment, smart-manufacturing talent supply and AI job-search tools. Gongpu says its AI job agent raised students' job-search efficiency by about 80% and starting pay by about 30%. Both sides said they will keep exploring collaboration.
- Europe·Research
Austria's gender pay gap at 15.5%; women effectively unpaid from 5 Nov as EU pay transparency rules remain untransposed
Austria's gender pay gap stands at 15.5%, down from 16.3% in 2025, based on Statistics Austria wage-tax data for 2024, putting Equal Pay Day at 5 November 2026 (57 days, per the Upper Austria Chamber of Labour). Kununu's analysis of 75,844 salary reports shows a 16.0% gap. EU pay transparency rules have still not been transposed in Austria.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Italy's Meloni government keeps raising decreti flussi quotas, record entries of non-EU workers
HuffPost Italia reports that Italy's centre-right government is steadily raising quotas under the decreti flussi for seasonal and non-seasonal foreign workers, with non-EU entries at a record. It says this reflects the economy's need for labor, alongside the government's tough stance on immigration.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Australian think-tank e61 research casts doubt on claim that working from home lifts birth rates
Research by Australian independent think-tank e61 casts doubt on claims that working from home encourages couples to have more children, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The yet-to-be-released work by e61 research manager Pelin Akyol suggests flexibility alone is not enough. Earlier research by German, US and British academics had found fertility rose by 0.32 children per woman when both parents worked from home at least weekly.
- United States·Research
Phenom named Luminary in two Everest Group assessments of AI in recruiting and HR
Philadelphia-based Phenom was named a Luminary in two Everest Group assessments, Agentic AI in Talent Acquisition 2026 and Agentic AI Applications in HR 2026 Innovation Watch, according to the company. The assessments covered 31 AI recruiting providers and 25 HR AI application providers. Phenom's AI agents handle sourcing, screening, interview scheduling and fraud detection.
- United States·Earnings
TriNet reports Q3 2026 revenue of $1.175 billion, net income of $31 million; reaffirms full-year guidance
TriNet Group reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of US$1,175 million and net income of US$31 million, and reaffirmed full-year revenue and diluted EPS guidance. Lower worksite employee volumes after health plan repricing weighed on results, while the insurance cost ratio returned to management's target range and retention and new sales showed signs of recovery.
- Europe·Research
Spanish outlet: workers entitled to one month's pay if employer retires, dies or becomes incapacitated
Spanish outlet Noticias Trabajo reports that workers are entitled to one month's salary if their employer retires, dies or becomes incapacitated.
- United States·Research
Indians account for 91% of US EB-2 green card backlog
Indians account for 91% of the US EB-2 green card backlog, Daijiworld reported.
- Canada & Latin America·News
Union says over half of Parks Canada workers on P.E.I. face uncertainty over potential job losses
A union says more than half of Parks Canada's workforce on Prince Edward Island faces uncertainty over potential job losses, CTV News reported.
- China·News
Nanjing holds youth talent job fair with nearly 2,000 employers and about 30,000 openings
A job fair for young talent from China and abroad was held at the Nanjing International Expo Center on 1 November. Nearly 2,000 employers took part online and offline, offering about 30,000 positions. Zones covered enterprises and public institutions, postdoctoral stations, and the Yangtze River Delta and Nanjing metropolitan area.
- China·Policy & Law
China launches 2026 national population change sample survey, adding social insurance and gig work questions for first time
China's 2026 national population change sample survey began on 1 November, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Enumerators will visit about 1‰ of households nationwide. For the first time, the survey covers social insurance participation among people aged 16 and over, and employment statistics include platform-based flexible work and other new forms of employment.
- China·News
Nanjing opens first Talent Week and 18th overseas talent fair, launches first municipal HR services consortia
The first Nanjing Talent Week, held alongside the 18th Nanjing Overseas Students Fair, opened on 1 November 2026 at the Nanjing International Expo Center. Organizers released the city's first municipal HR services consortia and a global talent demand list for AI, robotics and biomedicine. Nanjing said it drew 269,000 young talents in the first three quarters, exceeding last year's full-year total.
- Europe·Policy & Law
French Court of Cassation opinion: paid leave and sick leave count toward overtime calculation for 35-hour workers
France's Court of Cassation issued an opinion on 10 September aligning French law with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Presse-citron reported, citing Journal du Net. It held that overtime calculations ignoring paid leave or sick leave cost employees a financial benefit and could deter rest. Paid leave and sick leave are thus treated as time worked, affecting employees on 35-hour contracts.
- Europe·Policy & Law
France decree cuts sensitive period for foreign employees' first permit renewal from 12 to 6 months, effective Oct. 30
A decree dated 26 October 2026, published in France's Journal officiel on 29 October, applies from 30 October. It amends Article R. 5221-36 of the labour code, cutting from 12 to 6 months the period in which contract termination can justify refusing a first residence permit renewal. The ground does not apply to involuntary job loss or serious employer breaches.
- United States·Funding
Israeli AI employee training startup Bites raises $40 million Series A led by PeakSpan Capital
Israeli-founded AI startup Bites has raised $40 million in Series A funding led by PeakSpan Capital, with existing investors Vertex Ventures, Horizon Capital, Rittenhouse Ventures and Lyra Ventures participating. Total funding reaches $55 million. The money will expand US operations and develop frontline training that delivers AI-generated videos via WhatsApp, SMS, Teams and Slack. Customers include Coca-Cola and Unilever.
- Global·Research
Forbes: How AI is changing the CHRO role and what CEOs expect from HR leaders
A Forbes article published 1 November examines how AI is changing the chief human resources officer role and what CEOs expect from HR leaders.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Dutch HR professionals explain pay transparency prep as national law is planned for 2027
The EU pay transparency directive has been in force since June, and the Netherlands plans to implement it in 2027, PW. reports. Two HR professionals say employers need a reward policy and job evaluation system as a base, and must document pay levels and growth paths. A job framework helps but is not mandatory.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Singapore MOM announces Nov 2026 Work Permit eService enhancements and Temporary Permit application changes
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has published an employer briefing on November 2026 enhancements to the Work Permit eService on the myMOM Portal and changes to the Temporary Permit application process.
- United States·News
TurboTax explains Form 1095-C: large employers must report health coverage offers
TurboTax explains that Form 1095-C, required since the 2015 tax year under the Affordable Care Act, is a statement of health coverage offered by Applicable Large Employers. ALEs have at least 50 full-time workers or equivalents, with full-time meaning 30+ hours weekly. Employees who declined the plan still receive the form.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Asahi Shimbun: More Japanese firms move away from full-time remote work toward hybrid, return-to-office policies
The Asahi Shimbun reports that a growing number of businesses in Japan are moving away from full-time remote work six years after it took root in the pandemic, shifting to hybrid models. LY Corp. opened a new Tokyo office in April designed for its return-to-office policy.
- United States·Research
H-1B holders re-entering on Advance Parole may lose nonimmigrant status; AVR possible if extension approved
According to a World Journal Q&A, re-entering the U.S. on Advance Parole means the traveler is technically not entering in H-1B status, which could raise questions about a pending extension. If the extension is approved before departure and the passport holds another U.S. visa, Automatic Visa Revalidation may be possible, though CBP decides and travelers should carry the Advance Parole document as backup.
- United States·Policy & Law
State Department's November 2026 Visa Bulletin advances most family categories by a year for China-born applicants
The U.S. State Department released its November 2026 Visa Bulletin on the 22nd. For China-born applicants, Final Action Dates for the F1, F2B, F3 and F4 family categories moved forward one year from October, while F2A advanced about a month. In employment categories, EB-1 advanced one month and EB-3 professionals 14 days; EB-2 and EB-5 non-reserved were unchanged.
- United States·Research
US June jobs report due Thursday; markets expect 110,000 new jobs, 4.3% unemployment
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the June jobs report Thursday at 20:30 Beijing time, a day early because July 3 is a federal holiday. Markets expect 110,000 new jobs, down from 172,000 in May, with unemployment steady at 4.3%. Vanguard's economist expects only about 50,000. May job openings rose to 7.594 million.
- Europe·Research
France's 2027 public holidays fall poorly for most employees, except those on forfait jour contracts
Journal du Net reports that France's 2027 public holidays fall unfavourably for most employees, with the exception of those on forfait jour (day-rate) contracts.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Mexico to cut maximum weekly working hours from 48 to 46 from Jan. 1, 2027
Mexico's maximum weekly working hours will fall from 48 to 46 starting Jan. 1, 2027, El Imparcial reported. The change is part of a reform aimed at establishing a 40-hour work week in the country.
- Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
UAE labour law: Can employers prevent workers from joining competitors after resigning?
Khaleej Times examines whether employers in the UAE can prevent workers from joining competitors after resigning under UAE labour law.
- China·Research
Digital economy talent attraction index for major Chinese cities released, Hangzhou ranks fourth
Sohu reports that a talent attraction index report for the digital economy across major Chinese cities has been released. Hangzhou ranks fourth.
- Asia-Pacific·Research
Survey: 7 in 10 workers oppose comprehensive wage system; unpaid work also common
A survey reported by Asia Economy found that 7 in 10 workers oppose the comprehensive wage system, and unpaid work is also widespread.
- United States·Research
2026 year-end action items for retirement plans published
Reuters' Practical Law Journal published "2026 Year-End Action Items for Retirement Plans," a checklist for retirement plan matters.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Delhi winter pollution rules take effect Nov 1, requiring offices to enforce 50% remote work
Delhi introduced five new anti-smog rules from November 1, including a requirement that offices enforce 50% remote work. Non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are barred from entering between November 1 and January 31, 2027, and fuel stations will deny service to vehicles without valid pollution certificates.
- United States·Research
Fast Company asks whether AI could give older creatives a second act
A Fast Company piece argues AI could revitalize careers of older creatives. It cites BLS data that the median age of ad industry workers was 39 in 2025, versus 42 for the broader workforce.
- China·Research
Commentary: 'pension loans' offer lapsed social insurance payers a catch-up route, but Hunan example shows little gain
A Tencent News commentary says that in a Hunan 'pension loan' calculation, a 90,000 yuan loan to make up pension contributions yields a monthly pension of 808.48 yuan, leaving 182.62 yuan after repayment, 21.62 yuan more than without a loan. It says Hunan's rural credit union halted new such loans in July 2025, and calls for rules including caps on pension deductions.
- United States·Earnings
Insperity reports Q3 2026 sales of $1,651 million and net loss of $1 million
Insperity reported Q3 2026 sales of US$1,651 million and a net loss of US$1 million. Nine-month sales were US$5,232 million with net income of US$36 million, and diluted EPS from continuing operations was higher than a year earlier. Management pointed to progress on its margin recovery plan, with improved adjusted EBITDA and gross profit per worksite employee.
- China·Policy & Law
China rules from Nov. 1: employers face fines up to 3x for unpaid social insurance; 'voluntary waiver' agreements invalid
Per Sohu and NetEase reports, new rules effective Nov. 1 allow fines of up to three times the unpaid amount on employers that underpay social insurance contributions. Agreements in which employees 'voluntarily waive' social insurance are deemed invalid.
- United States·Research
Indians hold 91% of US EB-2 green card backlog, USCIS data shows
Indians account for 91% of the US EB-2 green card backlog, according to USCIS data. In EB-3, India holds 106,214 of 147,492 petitions, about 72%, and in EB-1, 17,861 of 31,962, about 56%.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Fair Work Commission dismisses unfair deactivation claim against Rasier Pacific after applicant fails to file or attend hearing
Australia's Fair Work Commission has dismissed an unfair deactivation claim against Rasier Pacific. The applicant repeatedly failed to comply with filing directions and did not join a non-compliance hearing, despite telling Commission staff by phone that he was connecting.