A Eurofound study and MyPerfectCV report reveal that millions of European and UK workers are experiencing increased stress and unpaid overtime due to an "always-on" work culture. Several European countries have introduced right-to-disconnect laws, but implementation remains challenging.
Peter Lee*, a 28-year-old, spent HK$90,000 on loot boxes in mobile games over six years, driven by randomised rewards and a "sunk cost" mentality to obtain desired items for team performance, a practice he started during the Covid-19 pandemic.
European trade unions are pushing for new laws to address deadly heat stress in the workplace, linked to hundreds of annual deaths. They seek enforceable thermal limits, heat risk assessments, and rights to breaks and adjusted hours, as climate change intensifies occupational health risks.
Eurostat data reveals average EU working hours of 35.9 per week, with significant disparities. Balkan nations like Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia report the longest hours (over 40), while the Netherlands has the shortest (31.9), largely due to high part-time employment.
Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman anticipates a packed nightlife hub in Hong Kong's Central during the FIFA World Cup, with a six-week 'FIFA World Cup Summer Frenzy Carnival' featuring large outdoor screens, theme decorations, and fan zones across over 20 participating venues.
Riyadh launches a flexible working hours initiative in government entities and business districts to distribute daily movement more efficiently, reduce peak hour traffic, and improve transportation efficiency. The initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources, aims to enhance quality of life and city efficiency.
Vietnam's General Confederation of Labour proposed a 4-day National Day holiday (Sept 2-5) and a reduction in weekly working hours to 40-44 for private sector employees. The union also seeks amendments to the Labour Code, including provisions for employer-provided meals and better social security coverage for informal workers.
UK ministers face criticism from unions and employers over plans to ban zero-hours contracts. The government proposes guaranteeing 8-20 hours weekly, but unions deem it insufficient, while employers warn of job risks and call for flexibility.
UK ministers face criticism from unions and employers over plans to ban zero-hours contracts. The government proposes guaranteeing 8-20 hours weekly, but unions deem it insufficient, while employers warn of job risks and call for flexibility.
London Underground drivers, members of the RMT union, will strike on Tuesday and Thursday over plans for a voluntary four-day working week. Talks broke down as the union cited concerns over driver fatigue and longer hours. TfL aims to run half of services, with significant disruption expected.
London Underground drivers will strike on Tuesday and Thursday over plans for a voluntary four-day working week. Talks failed as the RMT union cited concerns over driver fatigue and longer hours. TfL expects to run half of services, with some lines shut or suspended.
London Underground drivers, members of the RMT union, will strike for 24 hours on Tuesday and Thursday over TfL's proposed four-day working week. Talks failed, with RMT citing lack of assurances on working hours and fatigue. Services will be significantly disrupted.
German Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) advocates for increasing the volume of work in Germany, citing lower average working hours compared to China. She proposes halting early retirement programs and offering older workers continued employment opportunities. Reiche also calls for flexible working hours and improved work-life balance.
German Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) advocates for increased working hours in Germany, citing lower average annual hours compared to China. She proposes halting early retirement programs, offering older workers continued employment, and implementing flexible work models and better work-life balance options. Reiche also calls for accelerating planned corporate tax cuts to stimulate economic self-dynamism.
German Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) advocates for increased working hours in Germany, citing lower average annual hours compared to China. She proposes halting early retirement programs, offering older workers continued employment, and implementing flexible working models. Reiche also calls for accelerating planned corporate tax cuts to boost economic self-dynamism.
Countries such as US and Mexico that have longer hours also have higher obesity rates, research findsThose who work longer hours are more likely to be obese and cutting how much time you spend working could help you keep the weight off, research suggests.International research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul compared working patterns and obesity prevalence for 33 OECD countries from 1990 to 2022. The study found that countries such as the US, Mexico and Colombia, which have longer annual working hours, also had higher obesity rates, even though northern European countries consume more energy and fat on average than those in Latin America. Continue reading...
New labour codes have capped weekly working hours at 48, with overtime paid at double the hourly wage. Final rules for wages and industrial relations codes are out, paving the way for implementation. A National Reskilling Fund will support retrenched workers with new skills, financed by employers.
London Underground drivers will stage six 24-hour strikes starting 21 April over plans for a voluntary four-day working week. The RMT union opposes the proposal, saying longer shifts would cause driver fatigue and compromise safety. TfL says the change would be voluntary with no reduction in contractual hours. Services on Piccadilly, Circle and parts of Central and Metropolitan lines will be affected.
