We go to the edges to find the stories that matter
Every week, we are told what matters, but this week, we ask, what do we choose to see? We see visa rules that could push overseas staff out of the National Health Service, while a quiet health scheme is helping people stay in work with barely a mention. We see attacks on places of worship that shake trust, then workplaces that struggle to find the words to discuss it. We see leaders praise AI efficiency as entry-level jobs for Gen Z disappear. We see modest fashion grow in influence while dress codes and politics still police what is acceptable to wear. We see a decline in Black representation in children’s books, and we see equity missing for Black pupils in UK classrooms.
These are not separate headlines. They form a pattern about visibility, value, and power. What we choose to see will decide what we choose to change.
Stories from the edges this week...
National Health Service Struggles With New Visa Rules
The government’s new visa proposals could push the National Health Service and social care to breaking point. The plans would double the time that overseas workers have to wait, from five to 10 years. The proposals also mean foreign workers would have to volunteer in their local communities and pass a number of other tests to gain British citizenship. The Royal College of Nursing and social workers have criticised the plans. They have warned that these changes could drive people away. After all, who would choose to spend a decade working in a country that won’t call them its own?
Global Companies Prioritising AI Over Hiring Young People
Across industries, AI is being celebrated as a leap forward. A new report shows the human cost of that progress. Many business leaders in companies are prioritising the use of AI over hiring young people, leaving young people with fewer routes into work.. AI is being used for efficiency, with 39% of leaders saying entry-level roles have been cut. With the UK jobs market being difficult already, this will add to the pressure. Another survey showed that half of UK adults are concerned about the impact of AI on their jobs. This raises concerns about how people will gain the work experience they need for careers.
The Pledge Gap On Racial Equity: $49.5B Promised, $1.7B Paid
After George Floyd’s murder in 2020, corporations pledged $49.5 billion to racial equity, yet only $1.7 billion has actually been spent. 90% of that was loans, not grants. Meta cut its DEI team, Walmart ended its $100 million pledge, and Target scaled back. Many pledges were PR, not investment. Black founders fell from 1.3% of VC Funding in 2021 to 0.4% in 2024. Black businesses generated $206 billion in 2023, Black tech founders kept building without the programs, and Black-owned banks grew deposits by 40%. The lesson is ownership over access. People start their own businesses and create when they are not seen or supported.
We could not write this week's news without acknowledging the escalating concerns in the UK. There was an attack at a synagogue in Manchester. Then there was an attack at a mosque in Peacehaven, near Brighton. Both are being treated as hate crimes, but the damage runs deeper than headlines or arrests. These crimes have caused people to feel scared, and workplaces are concerned about how to address these issues and help employees to feel safe.
‘Catastrophic decline’ in Black representation in children’s books
A report by charity Inclusive Books For Children found that of the 2,721 books surveyed, only 51 featured a Black main character. It's Black History Month, yet this trend has got worse since 2023. Representation was low across a range of identity groups. Just 35 books (1.3%) featured South Asian main characters, while about 12.5% of children in English nursery and primary schools have South Asian heritage.
One in three UK workers has called in sick after work drinks
Many people feel pressured to drink alcohol at work social events. A report shows that those who do drink are then unable to work the next day. This is contrasted with employers who offer different types of social events away from drinking alcohol. How do you ensure your work social events are inclusive? This is an area where many employers have work to do.
Government rules out charging workers for employment tribunals
The Justice Secretary, David Lammy, has ruled out introducing charges for employment tribunals after a backlash from unions. The employment rights bill includes sweeping changes to workers’ rights, which the unions have welcomed, but some business lobby groups have argued will add to the costs of hiring workers. The changes are expected to lead to an increase in tribunal cases. There has been recruitment for more tribunal judges to handle this.
First-year doctors back strike action over jobs shortage
Newly qualified doctors in their first year have voted for strike action over a shortage of jobs. This year, there were 10,000 jobs available for 30,000 candidates, although some of those will be doctors from abroad. GP unemployment is getting worse as well, with five doctors applying for every GP training post. This is contrasted with patient demand for appointments continuing to increase. The British Medical Association has said a factor in the shortage has been poor workforce planning, which has seen a rapid expansion in medical school places at university, but a failure to create enough training posts in the NHS.
Calling a colleague a 'nutter' could be workplace harassment
A tribunal has ruled that calling a colleague a 'nutter' and 'ugly' could be seen as workplace harassment. A Royal Mail worker brought an employment tribunal case, claiming racial harassment and discrimination. The tribunal did not find grounds for racism, but did find that this created a hostile working environment.
There has been a surge in demand for more modest fashion with high necklines and looser styles. It’s a market now worth billions, led by influencers who show that fashion can be both expressive and grounded in belief. Contrast this with politicians calling for restrictions on face coverings and employers debating what 'professional' looks like. What’s seen as empowerment for some is treated as a threat by others.
This week's stories show us that attention is a leadership choice. Who do you include and see, and who is overlooked? Protect time for entry-level roles and mentoring so young people can learn on the job. Back health support that keeps people in work before crises hit. Make dress codes about safety and respect. Create space to name harm when communities are targeted, and follow words with care. Review reading lists and other media you watch or share. None of this is complicated. It is a daily habit of noticing, listening, and acting. What we choose to see becomes what we choose to change.
If these stories have made you think about actions you can take, read on for ideas to take action.
Edge Of Tomorrow - Is Society Going Backwards?
It's Black History Month, but are months like this changing anything? Or are we going backwards? Join Kaia Allen-Bevan for an interactive, online discussion to look at how society engages with Black history and culture today. Despite decades of progress, rising racism, erasure of contributions, and backlash against racial equity efforts suggest that humanity may be regressing in its recognition of Black communities. October 22nd, 6:30 PM - 8 PM, Online (Google Meet).
We are offering 5 FREE PLACES to this webinar. Email hello@edgeofdifference.com to claim your free place.
Thanks to the judges at the Corporate Vision Awards. After reviewing our entry and information, we have been awarded 'Best DE&I Training Innovator 2025 - UK'
What do Clive Myrie, Hardeep Mathuru, Sheela Banerjee, and Karen Dobres have in common? They will all be on stage at Brighton Summit. With the theme of 'What If?', explore activities, workshops, and ideas to get you thinking. It's on November 6th at Brighton Corn Exchange.
Are you a People Leader or a diversity, equity, and inclusion lead looking for some help and support? You can book time for individual sessions with us where we delve into your strategy and help you create ideas to drive change. We are offering 20% off to our newsletter subscribers! Click on the link and you will see the discount code.
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Inclusion Edge - 1 hour session
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Did any of this week's stories get you thinking about actions you need to take? We're here to help! We have some great programmes to help you take action. Book a call with us and we can talk you through our programmes and options.
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