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UK government, unions & businesses agree on Employment Rights Bill

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UK government, unions & businesses agree on Employment Rights Bill



The UK government will press ahead with the Employment Rights Bill after securing a key agreement between trade unions and major business groups on unfair dismissal protections. Officials said the agreement ensures the Bill can reach Royal Assent on schedule, enabling day-one rights to sick pay and paternity leave from April 2026 and the launch of the Fair Work Agency.

A central breakthrough was consensus on reducing the unfair dismissal qualifying period from 24 months to six months, while retaining day-one protection against discrimination and automatically unfair dismissal, UK’s Department for Business and Trade said in a release.

The UK government will advance the Employment Rights Bill after unions and business groups agreed to cut the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months.
The deal preserves April 2026 rollout of day-one sick pay and paternity leave and the Fair Work Agency.
Business groups welcomed the agreement but urged careful handling of issues such as guaranteed hours.

Ministers stressed this approach balances stronger worker protections with clarity for employers. The Government will also lift the compensation cap and ensure that any future changes to the qualifying period can only be made through primary legislation.

Business groups and unions agreed the Bill could now progress after the government committed to table the necessary amendments and ensure a full, transparent consultation process for upcoming secondary legislation. Ministers said this will keep implementation aligned with their timetable and manifesto pledge to ‘Make Work Pay,’ avoiding significant delays that would affect millions of workers and hinder business preparation.

The government emphasised its intention to continue detailed engagement with both sides—particularly to support small businesses—throughout the implementation phase.

Six major business organisations, including the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), CBI and Federation of Small Businesses, issued a joint statement welcoming the negotiated outcome. They said firms would be relieved that the government had adopted a qualifying period that is simple, meaningful, and understood, giving employers confidence to hire while protecting workers.

“This change addresses the key problem that must be sorted in primary legislation. It shows that dialogue works and is a model for how to consider the important questions that need answering in regulations before new rules come into force,” BCC along with the other organisations said in a joint release.

However, they cautioned that concerns remain over powers in the Bill related to guaranteed hours contracts, rules for seasonal and temporary workers, and industrial action thresholds.

“We remain committed to working with government and unions to dealing with this in the necessary secondary legislation to implement the Bill. We must ensure that it supports opportunity for workers while avoiding damage to economic growth. That also means agreeing guidance and support for businesses to understand and effectively implement the many changes, alongside sufficient resources for the Fair Work Agency and tribunal system,” the organisations added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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US brand Calvin Klein unveils Spring 2026 denim with Jung Kook

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US brand Calvin Klein unveils Spring 2026 denim with Jung Kook



Calvin Klein Inc., which is part of PVH Corp. [NYSE:PVH], announces the launch of its Spring 2026 denim campaign starring global brand ambassador Jung Kook of renowned boy band BTS.

Directed and shot by Mert Alas, the new chapter sharpens the focus on denim as the ultimate expression of personal style through icon Jung Kook’s distinctive and influential point of view as he lives in the moment.

Calvin Klein, owned by PVH Corp., has unveiled its Spring 2026 denim campaign fronted by BTS icon Jung Kook.
Directed and photographed by Mert Alas, the cinematic film fuses music, movement and city energy, highlighting 90s Straight, Baggy and reworked Trucker silhouettes.
A special appearance by Rosie Perez amplifies the brand’s signature visual storytelling.

The campaign unfolds across a series of immersive worlds, unified and guided by Jung Kook’s style, attitude and way of living. The high-impact film fuses fashion and entertainment, moving to an instantly recognizable soundtrack and brought to life through the artist’s signature choreography and commanding presence. The interplay of music and movement – complete with a cameo from New York City legend Rosie Perez – captures the impact synonymous with Calvin Klein’s iconic visual storytelling.

Calvin Klein jeans are at the center of the wardrobe with hero silhouettes leading the narrative: the effortless attitude of the 90s Straight; the relaxed and nostalgic proportions of the Baggy; and new interpretations of the iconic Trucker jacket — all reimagined with elevated washes and designed for versatility. Casual logo tees and oversized bombers complete the looks, reinforcing denim as both uniform and statement.

“I love Calvin Klein jeans because they’re designed to be lived in,” said Jung Kook. “The looks I wore for this campaign nod to ‘90s style while feeling completely modern. It was exciting to bring together my love of music, dance and fashion against the energy of the city.”

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)



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China targets 4.5 to 5% GDP growth for 2026

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China targets 4.5 to 5% GDP growth for 2026



China is aiming for a GDP growth rate of at least 4.5 to 5 per cent in 2026, according to a government work report submitted on March 05, 2026 to the national legislature for deliberation.

Premier Li Qiang, who delivered the report at the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, said the growth target is “well aligned with the country’s long-range objectives through the year 2035 and is broadly in line with the long-term growth potential of China’s economy, with favorable conditions in place for achieving this target.”

China has set a GDP growth target of 4.5–5 per cent for 2026, alongside goals to stabilise employment, manage inflation, maintain grain output and cut emissions.
The plan also preserves flexibility for structural reforms under the 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to balance steady economic expansion with long-term, high-quality and sustainable development.

Main development targets for 2026 also include a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 per cent, creation of over 12 million new urban jobs, a rise in the consumer price index of around 2 per cent, personal income growth in step with economic growth, a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, grain output of around 700 million tonnes, and a drop of around 3.8 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP.

Qiang said the targets took into account the need to leave room for structural adjustments, risk prevention and reform in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period, to lay a solid foundation for improved performance in the coming years. Government at local level should, taking into account their own conditions, make solid efforts to deliver positive outcomes, he added.

Analysts said the 2026 target reflects a pragmatic approach in recognising structural and cyclical challenges facing the world’s second-largest economy, while pursuing reasonable growth in line with high-quality development.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)



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Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025

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Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025



Swiss premium bodywear group Calida Group has reported improved profitability and a strengthened financial position in 2025, posting net sales from continuing operations of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million), down 5 per cent year on year (YoY) on a currency-adjusted basis, with the rate of decline easing in the second half of the year. Core brands Calida and Aubade demonstrated positive operational progress supported by premium positioning and disciplined execution of the group’s Operational Excellence strategy.

The group recorded an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) compared with CHF 4 million in the previous year, lifting the EBIT margin to 4.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent. Excluding Cosabella, the combined EBIT margin of Calida and Aubade reached 6.7 per cent, approaching the company’s medium-term target range. Operating net profit improved significantly to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million) from CHF 0.5 million a year earlier, Calida Group said in a press release.

Calida Group has reported net sales of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million) in 2025, down 5 per cent YoY.
EBIT rose to CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) and net profit to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million), supported by strong Calida and Aubade performance.
The group maintained solid liquidity and continued Cosabella repositioning while targeting future profitability improvement.

The group maintained a solid financial base with net liquidity of CHF 25.1 million and an adjusted equity ratio of 67.9 per cent, while free cash flow reached CHF 9.8 million. The board proposed a cash dividend of CHF 0.25 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 23 per cent in line with its long-term dividend policy.

“After a challenging first half of 2025, the Calida Group developed positively in the second half and achieved operational improvements on sales and profitability. By deliberately and systematically forgoing discount-driven growth and strategically positioning Calida and Aubade in the premium segment, the brands were strengthened in the long-term. Overall, 2025 was another year defined by a persistently challenging market environment,” said Thomas Stocklin, CEO of the Calida Group.

“Geopolitical uncertainty, US trade and tariff policies, and muted consumer sentiment in our core markets impacted the entire industry. In this environment, the Calida Group has demonstrated strategic discipline and, step by step, is evolving in the desired direction. Today, our group is more agile and efficient. Combined with our financial strength, this positions the Calida Group to pursue well-considered organic as well as external growth opportunities, allowing us to look to the future with confidence,” added Stocklin.

Operationally, the company continued implementing its efficiency-focused strategy by reintegrating functions into individual brands, streamlining group management structures and strengthening capabilities across product management, marketing, operations and sales.

Brand-wise, Calida generated sales of CHF 145.1 million, declining modestly as store traffic softened, although e-commerce growth and a strong Christmas season supported second-half performance. The brand improved its operating contribution margin through higher gross margins and ongoing cost optimisation while reinforcing its premium market positioning.

Aubade recorded sales of CHF 58 million amid weak consumer sentiment in France and the strategic withdrawal from unprofitable channels following the pandemic-driven demand surge. Nevertheless, margin performance strengthened through strict cost management, ongoing rebranding initiatives and progress in expanding export markets, particularly in the United States.

Cosabella reported sales of CHF 12.8 million, extending its negative growth trajectory and contributing higher losses as the brand remains in an intensive repositioning phase under strategic review. The group is targeting a turnaround towards operational break-even in 2026.

Overall, the group indicated that organisational restructuring, inventory optimisation and disciplined channel management enhanced agility and cost efficiency, positioning the company for future growth while aiming to improve group profitability further as Cosabella’s performance stabilises.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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