8 things to know in global HR today
- 01United States·People
Automattic begins layoffs amid board upheaval and executive exits
Automattic, parent of WordPress.com, Tumblr and WooCommerce, has begun layoffs over the past week affecting its communications, social, WordPress.com and VIP enterprise teams, with insiders warning more cuts may follow. The move comes after a failed September board attempt to oust CEO Matt Mullenweg, which triggered a full board turnover and departures of the CFO, interim CFO and chief legal officer.
- 02Europe·Policy & Law
UK unfair dismissal qualifying period to shorten to six months from January 2027
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims in the UK will be reduced from two years to six months, with the provisions expected to take effect in January 2027. Employers are advised to ensure dismissals have a fair reason and follow a reasonable, well-documented process ahead of the change.
- 03United States·News
Electronic Arts to lay off 400 employees
According to a Business Journals daily digest, video game company Electronic Arts announced plans to lay off 400 employees. The digest also noted OpenAI's acquisition of a San Francisco biotech startup, unrelated to HR.
- 04Canada & Latin America·News
TC Transcontinental closing Owen Sound plant, affecting 360 employees
Canadian packaging company TC Transcontinental is closing its plant in Owen Sound, Ontario, affecting 360 employees. The report did not provide further details on the closure timeline or severance arrangements.
- 05Europe·Research
UK pay awards rise to 3.1% but remain subdued, data shows
Analysis by Brightmine of 42 pay settlements covering more than 650,000 UK employees shows the median basic pay award rose to 3.1% in the three months to September, up from 3% in the prior two quarters. Seven in 10 settlements matched (36.8%) or fell below (34.2%) last year's award, while just 28.9% were higher. UK CPI rose to 3.5% in September from 3.1% in August.
- 06Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Dominican Republic Labor Ministry sanctions 101 Chinese-invested stores for labor violations
The Dominican Republic's Labor Ministry sanctioned 101 stores owned by Chinese investors for labor violations, according to a report on local TV program El Nuevo Diario AM. Specific details of the violations or penalty amounts were not disclosed.
- 07Europe·Policy & Law
Italy's labor ministry adds two new simulators to supplementary pension portal
Italy's Ministry of Labour and Social Policies announced two new online simulators on its supplementary pension portal, developed with Mefop. One helps workers assess how allocating severance pay (TFR) affects pension prospects; the other helps companies estimate compensatory measures for lost liquidity when employees join a pension fund. Results are informational only, not official certifications.
- 08Canada & Latin America·News
Mexico's HR leaders tackle AI disruptions, labor reforms
HR leaders in Mexico discussed the impact of AI disruptions on the workplace and ongoing labor reform issues, focusing on how AI is reshaping talent management and employment policy.
Picked by importance across regions (at most two per country), from the day and the day before (US Eastern time). Every brief links to the original reporting.