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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel layoffs surpass 1,600 across US
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. Intel Corp. is laying off approximately 1,666 employees across four states this month as part of a company-wide restructuring effort to reduce costs and simplify operations. 'We are taking steps to become a leaner, faster and more efficient company,' Intel said in an email July 9. 'Removing organizational complexity and empowering our engineers will enable us to better serve the needs of our customers and strengthen our execution.' The job cuts, which begin to take effect July 11, will affect hundreds that work at or report to Intel in California, Oregon, Texas and Arizona, according to recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filings. About half of those affected — roughly 855 — are based out of Intel's offices and facilities in Santa Clara and Folsom, California. The company is also cutting 529 employees across its four campuses in or near Hillsboro, Oregon, considered to be the heart of the company's research and development operations. Additionally, Intel has given recent layoff notices to 172 workers in Chandler, Arizona and 110 in Austin, Texas, according to WARN filings as of July 11. A spokesperson declined to elaborate on which departments or segments of the company will be affected. In late June, Intel said it will 'wind down' its automotive business within its client computing group. The chipmaker has also started sending layoff notices to hundreds of workers in Israel, where Intel employs roughly 4,000 at its Kiryat Gat campus, Israel-based news outlet Ynet reported. One of CEO Lip-Bu Tan's priorities since taking over in March has been to refocus Intel's core products for a new era of computing shaped by artificial intelligence and reasoning models. Intel, known for its personal computer processors, has lagged behind competitors AMD and Nvidia in the evolving semiconductor market. It reported a net loss of $18.8 billion for 2024, driven in part by its struggles to transition to smaller, more efficient chip designs. 'We are seen as too slow, too complex and too set in our ways — and we need to change,' Tan said in a company-wide letter April 24. He detailed plans to become a more engineering-focused company and remove layers of teams, which has created "unnecessary bureaucracy that slows us down.' Long-term, Tan said he also wants to refine Intel's AI strategy with a focus on emerging areas of interest and to build trust with foundry customers. 'There is no way around the fact that these critical changes will reduce the size of our workforce,' Tan wrote in April. 'This will begin in Q2 and we will move as quickly as possible over the next several months. More details of the changes are likely to come during Intel's upcoming investor call, which is scheduled for July 24. The changes will begin to take place July 11, affecting mostly workers in California and Oregon. Recommended Reading Intel plans to lay off more than 500 Oregon workers Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Vietnamese cuisine chef loses visa for working in burger shop
Pho chefs can be granted a Skilled Worker visa without a Japanese language requirement if they are deemed to have specialized expertise in ethnic cuisine. (Asahi Shimbun file photo) A change in venue caused a Vietnamese chef to lose his residency status in Japan, a case legal experts say highlights systemic gaps in the country's foreign labor system. Although a legal dispute over the matter has been settled, the chef, who was assigned to a hamburger shop instead of a pho restaurant, was forced to leave Japan and cannot return. According to court records, the 40-year-old man had previously come to Japan as a technical intern 20 years ago. In 2018, wanting to work in Japan again, he consulted an acquaintance who runs a staffing agency in Vietnam. Since returning to Japan as a technical intern was not possible, he was advised to apply for a Skilled Worker visa as a chef. This category allows foreigners with specific expertise in ethnic cuisine to work in Japan. The man had over 10 years of experience helping at his family's Vietnamese restaurant. He demonstrated his cooking skills by preparing the noodle soup during a meeting in Vietnam with the operator of a restaurant in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture. After passing this informal test, he signed a job contract and paid 1 million yen ($6,800) in fees to the intermediary. He obtained his chef visa and arrived in Japan in October 2020. However, the pho restaurant where he was assigned to work at had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he was reassigned to a related hamburger shop, which did not serve Vietnamese food and thus did not meet the conditions of his chef visa. For two years, the man worked at the burger shop, unaware that he was violating his visa conditions. One day, during a routine inspection, immigration authorities discovered the breach and revoked his residency status. With the support of a legal group advocating for foreigners, the man filed a damages lawsuit at the Osaka District Court against both the Japanese staffing agency and the restaurant operator. The staffing agency admitted it knew the reassignment violated visa conditions but argued that the man had insisted on working as soon as possible. The restaurant operator denied any wrongdoing, claiming it had relied on an administrative scrivener for visa compliance. In December last year, both companies agreed to a court-mediated settlement, paying a total of 2.5 million yen to the man. However, the visa was not reissued, and he remains unable to return to Japan. LACK OF OVERSIGHT Because the Skilled Worker visa allows foreign chefs to work in Japan without language tests or institutional oversight, it creates opportunities for misuse, legal experts said. 'This kind of case is not rare,' said attorney Hisanori Shikata, who represented the Vietnamese man. Administrative scrivener Takeru Okamoto, an expert in immigration law, warns that many employers seeking to hire foreign cooks do not fully understand visa categories. 'Even if the employer is unaware, assigning work outside visa conditions can lead to criminal charges for promoting illegal employment,' he said. Yoshihisa Saito, an associate professor of Asian labor law at Kobe University, emphasized the need to reform the category to better protect workers. As of June last year, 45,000 foreign nationals were working under the Skilled Worker visa category. Unlike the newer Specified Skilled Worker visa introduced in 2019, the Skilled Worker visa lacks supervision from specialized agencies. 'Some intermediaries are acting in bad faith,' Saito said. 'Employers must understand visa rules, and legal reforms are needed, including Japanese language requirements.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Broken promises, fragile futures: How the UK's Skilled Worker Visa is failing migrants
Marketed as a golden gateway to opportunity, the UK's Skilled Worker visa route was designed to attract global talent to bridge labour shortages in critical sectors. But behind the façade of structured immigration lies a complex reality, one where vulnerability, exploitation, and immobility increasingly define the migrant experience. A recent report by the UK Parliament's cross-party Home Affairs Committee has peeled back the layers, revealing a troubling mismatch between policy intent and lived reality. Systemic gaps, real-world consequences The committee's findings highlight glaring loopholes in the system. At its core, the Skilled Worker visa ties employees to a single employer, a framework that breeds dependency and weakens the bargaining power of migrants. Workers fearful of losing their legal status are often left at the mercy of unscrupulous employers, forced to accept poor wages, long hours, and, in some cases, even abuse. This employer-tied model, far from offering stability, traps skilled workers in exploitative conditions with limited avenues for redress. The very system meant to empower them effectively silences them. A labour shortage built on migrant fatigue Sectors such as healthcare and social care, pillars of the UK's economy, are increasingly staffed by migrants. But even as they plug critical gaps, their well-being is sacrificed. The promise of a better life is too often exchanged for exhaustion, low pay, and poor housing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Instead of integration and growth, many skilled workers face isolation and stagnation. Employers wield disproportionate control, and the system lacks a meaningful mechanism to monitor or correct abuse. Without options to switch jobs freely or seek support independently, workers live in a state of constant precarity. The hidden costs of 'legal' migration This is not the story of undocumented migrants. These are individuals who arrived through legal, state-sanctioned channels, many of whom were recruited under the impression of fairness and opportunity. Yet, a lack of transparency, opaque recruitment practices, often involving hefty fees in home countries, and weak oversight have made them vulnerable from the start. The Home Affairs Committee also expressed concern over the 'inadequate enforcement of labour standards' and an immigration structure that seems to prioritise economic utility over human dignity. In effect, the visa becomes a transactional tool, where the migrant is valued only for what they can produce, until they are no longer needed. Where accountability falls short While the UK Home Office claims to review immigration policies regularly, critics argue that reforms have been slow, fragmented, and largely cosmetic. The absence of worker-led grievance redressal mechanisms, independent regulatory checks, and targeted support for whistleblowers further deepens the trust deficit. Moreover, the lack of mandatory accreditation for recruiters and sponsors means that exploitation can begin before the migrant even sets foot on British soil. For many, debt incurred to secure the job adds to the emotional and financial toll. What reform should look like The current Skilled Worker visa framework is in urgent need of recalibration. Here's what a more humane, functional system should prioritise: Decoupling employment and immigration status : Allowing greater mobility for migrants across sectors and employers. Regulating recruitment agencies : Preventing financial exploitation during the hiring process abroad. Strengthening enforcement : Creating an independent body to investigate worker abuse and penalise exploitative employers. Providing safe reporting channels : Ensuring that migrants can raise complaints without fear of deportation. Promoting integration support : Offering housing, language training, and community networks to enhance migrant well-being. A moment for moral reckoning The UK's need for foreign workers is undeniable. But that economic need cannot justify a system that strips skilled individuals of dignity, autonomy, and protection. Migration must not be reduced to a commodity exchange. To retain its global reputation as a fair and democratic society, the UK must reimagine its Skilled Worker visa, not as a pipeline for cheap labour, but as a bridge to mutual growth and equity. Anything less is a betrayal of the very ideals upon which such schemes are sold. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Beyond the Brochure: What to research before choosing a UK university
Choosing a university in the UK is one of the biggest decisions in a student's academic life. While glossy brochures, charismatic websites, and high rankings might be the starting point, the real insights lie much deeper. Especially for students from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the broader South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, it's crucial to dig beyond surface-level information to make a smart, strategic, and sustainable choice. Not every degree leads to a career path that fits the UK's evolving immigration policy. With the Skilled Worker visa now focusing on high-skill jobs (RQF Level 6+), it's imperative to check whether the course aligns with roles currently in demand. This means more than just loving the subject; it means asking whether this subject can get you a job that meets UK visa eligibility requirements. ● Check the UK Shortage Occupation List ● Explore the Global Talent visa criteria ● Review Skilled Worker visa eligible job roles ● Ask universities for course-specific employment outcomes The Graduate Route visa, once valid for two years, has now been reduced to 18 months, even for PhD students. That's a narrow window to secure a job offer and employer sponsorship. ● Ask about the number of students who successfully transitioned to Tier 2 sponsorship. ● Research institutions with strong employer ties. ● Seek insights from alumni or local university representatives. Global rankings are helpful but not everything. Often, universities not in the "Top 100" worldwide may hold exceptional reputations within the UK, particularly in fields like healthcare, tech, and creative industries. These universities may offer: ● High placement rates. ● Integrated "sandwich" courses with built-in work placements. ● Inclusion on the UK's High Potential Individual (HPI) list. Studying in London may sound glamorous, but it comes with a heavy price tag. Cities like Nottingham, Worcester, Lancaster, and Birmingham can offer lower living costs without compromising job opportunities or quality of education. Also important: ● Budget realistically for accommodation, food, and transportation. ● Understand part-time work policies and whether your course schedule permits it. ● Look into evolving English language requirements and financial proofs for dependents. Many students applying to UK universities have never visited the country, and in some cases, have never been abroad. It's important to introspect and identify what matters most to you. Each city and campus comes with its own rhythm. While one student might thrive in a bustling city like London, another might feel more at home in the quiet, community-oriented atmosphere of Worcester. Making a list of what you value most safety, affordability, diversity, academic focus can help guide you toward the right fit. Universities like Sussex are not only globally recognised for Development Studies but also have strong research centres like the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and the Centre for Global Health Policy. Similarly, NTU places more emphasis on subject-wise rankings and offers over 150 professionally accredited programmes. University life goes far beyond classrooms. Some things to research: ● Orientation and visa support services. ● Pre-sessional language programmes. ● Mental health and well-being services. ● Part-time job assistance. ● Financial and accommodation advice. For example, NTU has one of the UK's largest Employability teams, supporting students for up to three years after graduation. Sussex, on the other hand, is known for its sustainability-driven campus culture, mental health services, and community inclusivity. Don't just scroll through campus photos and ask the right questions: ● Are there active clubs, societies, or student unions? ● What kind of events have taken place in the last six months? ● Are guest lectures common? Who has been invited recently? ● What is the average class size, and how diverse are the classrooms? Universities like NTU offer over 200 clubs and societies, 60+ sports teams, and complimentary sports memberships, creating a well-rounded student life. Dig Deeper Into Faculty Credentials Beyond just course outlines, investigate: ● Who are the course directors and professors? ● Do they have real-world experience in their fields? ● How connected are they with the industry? For business school students, it's especially valuable to consider programmes that offer industrial placements over traditional dissertations. These real-world experiences can offer better employment outcomes. Connect directly with current students or recent alumni to get a sense of the actual experience. Ask about: ● Career services. ● On-campus job support. ● Realistic academic expectations. ● Life outside the classroom. Also, check who represents international students in the student union and how active they are in listening and responding to student needs. Policy changes don't happen in isolation. They affect everything from what you study to where you live and how your post-study life unfolds. Keeping track of these changes, attending university webinars, consulting in-country representatives, and engaging with platforms that decode UK immigration shifts are essential steps. In the end, choosing a university in the UK should be a well-researched, introspective, and future-facing decision. Go beyond the brochure. Your dream university might not just be the one with the most polished marketing, it's the one that fits your goals, budget, lifestyle, and career ambitions best. Because choosing where to study isn't just about where you go. It's about where it can take you next. (Author Aritra Ghosal is founder and CEO at OneStep Global. Views expressed are personal.)
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gov. DeSantis signs Andy Lahera Act ensuring healthcare coverage for injured law enforcement officers
The Brief In May 2023, Citrus School Resource Deputy was critically injured when he was struck by a car. Worker's Compensation covered his injuries from the crash, but his health insurance was uncertain. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law that would provide full premium coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty. LECANTO, Fla. - A Citrus County deputy is at the center of a new Florida law. The Deputy Andy Lahera Law is aimed to provide healthcare coverage to law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, who weren't covered before. The backstory Deputy Andy Lahera joined the Citrus County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy in 2009. He moved onto becoming a detective until the Parkland mass shooting. His wife, Michelle, said "...he had come home, and he sat the boys down and he said to them that he was going to apply to become a School Resource Officer. He said that he would make us have to be okay with it." Deputy Lahera became an SRO at Lecanto Middle School. In May 2023, he was on a detail, directing traffic outside of Lecanto High School when he was struck by a car. Deputy Lahera was left with a traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. RELATED:Critically injured Citrus County deputy honored for service amid family's health care concerns Michelle Lahera said ever since, he's been living at a post-acute rehab facility, working to reconnect his brain to the rest of his body. She explained, "We have our good days and we have our bad days. He's fighting. He's working hard. He's able to do things that he hadn't been able to previously. But for me, it's not as fast as I would like it to be." What they're saying Michelle Lahera said there's a gap for a subsection of officers injured in the line of duty like her husband. Worker's comp covers treatment related to the crash. But healthcare insurance beyond that is not guaranteed. "From the beginning, I said, I never wanted Andy to be forgotten, and I had to make sure that he would have insurance above what workers comp wouldn't cover for him," she explained. RELATED: Benefit held to help Pasco deputy injured in the line of duty As the law stood, injured officers were only guaranteed full premium insurance coverage if they were injured in a pursuit, emergency, or unlawful act committed by a criminal. FL House Rep. Judson Sapp was among three legislators behind the Andy Lahera bill that would provide full coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty. Sapp said, "Across the board, every single member up in Tallahassee was shocked that this already wasn't part of law. It was such a narrow law as to what constituted eligibility." On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis signed it into law. "So, we fixed something and sometimes the system works, and it worked this time and I'm just so proud that we got this across the finish line," Sapp explained. Click here to read more about the new law. Click here to follow Deputy Lahera's recovery journey. The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
