Air travel set for major overhaul with digital ‘journey pass’
Air travel is on the verge of a tech-driven transformation, as the UN’s aviation body, ICAO, plans to replace boarding passes and check-in procedures with a digital “journey pass.” Stored on passengers’ phones, the pass will include passport details and use facial recognition for seamless airport navigation.
This upgrade—the biggest in 50 years—would enable real-time updates, automate rebooking for missed connections, and eliminate traditional check-in. While raising privacy concerns, the system promises data deletion within 15 seconds at each touchpoint. Full implementation could occur within three years, pending global airport infrastructure upgrades.
One in dive flexible working requests denied despite new rights
A year after the Flexible Working Act 2024 was introduced, 21% of UK employees reported denied their flexible work requests—often due to employer concerns over productivity (28%) or disbelief in flexibility (27%). Despite new rights, including day-one eligibility and faster response times, 55% of workers remain unaware of the legislation.
While 68% say they’d be more productive with control over work hours and location, most employers (78%) haven’t changed practices. Experts warn that failing to embrace flexibility could cost businesses valuable talent, particularly among parents, carers, and older workers seeking adaptable working conditions.
UK businesses cut hiring amid national insurance hike
Nearly half of UK companies are scaling back recruitment after employers’ national insurance contributions rose from 13.8% to 15%, with the threshold dropping to £5,000. A Reed survey found that 46% of firms say the hike will affect hiring decisions, and many fear reduced profits—by an average of 29%. London businesses are the most impacted, with 60% rethinking recruitment.
The increase and a higher national living wage also push firms to postpone salary reviews and make redundancies. Experts urge businesses to focus on retaining talent, upskilling teams, and hiring strategically to navigate rising costs and economic uncertainty.