Author: Asher J

US employers continued to show caution over job cuts last week, with new unemployment benefit claims edging lower and remaining within a narrow range in recent weeks. The data points to a relatively stable labour market, although job seekers are taking longer to find new employment. According to the US Department of Labor, initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 206,000 for the week ended September 5. The figure was slightly higher than the 205,000 forecast by economists surveyed by Reuters. The previous week’s claims were revised upward to 207,000. Weekly Jobless Claims Remain…

Volkswagen Group is planning to eliminate another 50,000 jobs worldwide as part of a major restructuring programme aimed at cutting costs, simplifying operations and improving profitability. The additional workforce reductions are part of the group’s Future Plan 2030 and could bring the total number of jobs targeted under Volkswagen’s restructuring programmes to nearly 1 lakh by the end of the decade. The Volkswagen Group includes brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini. Around 50,000 positions are already covered by restructuring measures across different businesses within the group. Volkswagen faces pressure from global competition The planned job cuts come as…

Seattle: Amazon is set to permanently eliminate 121 jobs across Washington state, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing submitted to the Washington State Employment Security Department on August 31, 2026. The layoffs are scheduled to begin on October 1 and continue through October 27. The filing indicates that 32 employees are expected to leave by October 2, while another 66 separations are scheduled by October 20. The affected positions are spread across Bellevue, Seattle, Sumner and one remote position in Washington. The filing lists 49 jobs in Bellevue, 35 in Seattle, 32 in Sumner and one…

Volkswagen’s plans to restructure its operations in Germany are facing renewed opposition from employee representatives, with labour leaders warning that the company’s broader transformation could potentially affect up to 1.4 lakh jobs over time. The figure is an estimate of roles that could be exposed to workforce reductions or changes in plant operations. It does not represent confirmed layoffs. According to employee representatives, around 50,000 positions are already covered by workforce reduction plans. A further 50,000 jobs could potentially be affected by additional cuts, while another 40,000 positions could be linked to possible changes or closures at plants after 2030.…

A workplace dispute involving Tech Mahindra and an employee in Hyderabad has attracted public attention after allegations concerning workplace treatment, medical leave and termination were shared widely on social media. The dispute involves R Bhavana, a software engineer who has alleged that she faced difficulties during her employment and that her grievances were not adequately addressed. She also staged a protest outside Tech Mahindra’s Hyderabad office seeking resolution of the issues she has raised. Posts shared on social media said Bhavana was seeking action over issues including pending allowances, notice-period matters and what she described as an unfair termination. Some…

Bank of America is tightening its hybrid work policy by requiring eligible employees to separate their two weekly work-from-home days, the financial services company has confirmed. Under the updated policy, employees in eligible hybrid roles will continue to work three days from the office and two days remotely each week. However, the two remote days can no longer be taken consecutively. For example, employees could work remotely on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Friday, but would not be able to choose back-to-back days such as Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday. New policy to take effect in September…

Apple is reportedly planning to cut more than 200 jobs as part of a broader restructuring of teams working on Siri, artificial intelligence and Vision Pro. The changes are expected to affect roughly 100 positions in the Vision Pro division and another 100 or more roles across Siri and related software teams, according to reports. Vision Pro operations scaled back Apple is reducing the size of its Vision Pro operations, including plans to significantly scale back its gaming team and reduce the workforce involved in producing immersive video content. Creating 3D and immersive content for Vision Pro has reportedly been…

As the global competition for AI and STEM professionals intensifies, Finland is strengthening its efforts to attract skilled talent from India. Through Business Finland’s Work in Finland initiative, the country is offering clearer immigration pathways and targeted opportunities for Indian professionals in high-growth technology sectors. The message is straightforward: bring your skills, keep your language, and build your career in one of Europe’s most innovation-driven economies. Finland has introduced a fast-track residence permit process for specialists, startup founders, ICT professionals and senior managers. Eligible applicants, including accompanying family members, can receive a first decision within 14 days. Laura Lindeman of…

Bank employees and officers across several parts of India have intensified their demand for the introduction of a five-day banking week, with demonstrations held in cities including Shivamogga, Nizamabad and Jammu. The protests were organised under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which has been urging the government to approve a five-day work week for the banking sector. The latest demonstrations follow a nationwide bank strike held on 27 January 2026 over the same issue. In Nizamabad, employees and officers from public and private-sector banks gathered at Dharna Chowk, calling on the government to act on…

Artificial intelligence is currently creating more jobs in India than it is eliminating, according to a new report by Japanese brokerage Nomura. The report estimates that AI-related hiring across India has exceeded job displacement by more than 51,000 roles. Rather than triggering widespread layoffs, AI adoption is reshaping workforce requirements and creating new opportunities across areas such as data, engineering, product development and support. According to analysts, much of the employment growth is being driven by companies adopting AI tools internally and IT-services firms developing AI solutions for global clients. Demand has risen particularly for professionals working in AI development,…