Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Indian firms struggle to lure migrant workers back

Spurning free air tickets, accommodation and higher pay, millions of migrant workers who fled India's cities when coronavirus hit are too scared to return, with grim implications for the already crumbling economy.

Migrant labourers form the backbone of Asia's third-biggest economy toiling in every sector from making consumer goods and stitching garments to driving cabs.


But when India went into lockdown in late March, vast numbers lost their jobs, prompting a huge heart-rending exodus back to their home villages, sometimes on foot, their children in their arms.

Some died on the way.

Mumbai's swanky high-rises, for example, were built and largely staffed by people from poorer states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha, who worked as security guards, cooks and cleaners.

But as the city became a virus hotspot, around 80 percent of construction workers left the financial hub after work came to a standstill, according to the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry.

Four months on, with lockdown measures eased, some workers have trickled back but more than 10,000 building sites are lying virtually abandoned due to severe labour shortages across the city.

"We are trying our best to bring back migrant workers, even going to the extent of giving them air tickets, COVID-19 health insurance ... (and) weekly checkups by doctors," real estate developer Rajesh Prajapati said.

"But it has not reaped any positive signs yet," he told AFP.

Property giant Hiranandani Group which -- unusually -- continued to pay its workers during lockdown, has had more success, but has still only managed to convince around 30 percent of its 4,500 workers to stay on site.

"We looked after them, took care of their food, safety and sanitisation and even had mobile creches for kids," the group's billionaire co-founder Niranjan Hiranandani told AFP.

- 'Double whammy' -

With a colossal slump in growth expected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has steadily eased restrictions on many businesses even as coronavirus cases surge towards 1.5 million.

But analysts say firms are still staring at a bleak future due to battered finances, stalled projects and crucially, a lack of workers.

Real estate demand has plummeted by almost 90 percent in Mumbai alone, with falling sales and the lull in construction severely affecting access to credit.

"We have a double whammy with the pandemic eroding demand while construction workers are not available," Pankaj Kapoor, CEO of Mumbai-based consultancy Liases Foras, told AFP.

"Credit flow from the lender has (also) stopped because... credit disbursal is based on construction progress and sales," he said, projecting the turmoil to deepen.

Business owners in other fields paint an equally grim picture.

Aseem Kumar, general secretary of the Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan, told AFP his sector was "in a mess".

The organisation represents 300 manufacturers exporting clothing to Japan, the United States and Europe. Many have offered workers accommodation, insurance and a 20-percent raise, but to little avail.

"Most of the orders have been deferred to next season as there are no labourers available," he said.

- 'Starve to death' -

A lack of transport means that even those who are willing to swallow their fear and return to work -- many are desperate to do so -- are unable to.

Construction worker Shambu told AFP his family of four was on the brink of destitution after he fled Mumbai, reduced to living on 200 rupees ($2.70) a week.

Unlike his compatriots, the 27-year-old, who goes by one name only, was able to travel by rail to Odisha -- a possibility that is now firmly out of reach because most trains are not running.

"Almost 50 percent of people I know are ready to return if trains are restarted," he said.

"It is better to go to big cities and work than sit in villages and starve to death."

More For You

Black women cancer risk

Serious public health challenges in the decades ahead

iStock

Study warns of rising uterine cancer rates, with Black women hardest hit

Key points

  • Uterine cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise significantly in the US by 2050.
  • Black women are expected to experience the highest increase in incidence-based mortality.
  • A new model predicts incidence rising to 86.9 cases per 100,000 for Black women and 74.2 for White women.
  • Researchers stress the urgent need for improved prevention and early detection strategies.

Sharp increase in uterine cancer predicted over next three decades

Uterine cancer, currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, is projected to see a substantial rise in both cases and deaths by 2050, particularly among Black women. A new study led by researchers at Columbia University warns of worsening racial disparities in outcomes if preventative measures are not introduced.

This year alone, around 69,120 new cases of uterine cancer and nearly 14,000 deaths are expected in the United States. However, projections by the Columbia University research team, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, indicate a significant increase in both incidence and mortality over the next 30 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco Scotch Egg recall

Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs

Tesco

Tesco recalls Wall’s Scotch Eggs over salmonella contamination

Key points

  • Tesco and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued an urgent recall for Wall’s Scotch Eggs.
  • Salmonella contamination has been confirmed in two batches with a use-by date of July 2, 2025.
  • Customers are advised not to eat the affected items and return them to any Tesco store for a full refund.
  • No other Wall’s products are affected by this recall.

Wall’s Scotch Eggs recalled due to salmonella risk

Tesco has issued an urgent product recall for two batches of Wall’s Scotch Eggs after salmonella contamination was confirmed. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) supported the decision and has advised customers to check their kitchens and dispose of or return the products immediately.

The recall applies specifically to Wall’s 2 Classic Scotch Eggs 226g and Wall’s The Classic Scotch Egg 113g, both with a use-by date of 2 July 2025. Customers who purchased either product are urged not to consume them due to the potential health risk.

Keep ReadingShow less
Can dairy disrupt your sleep

The authors acknowledged potential limitations in their findings

iStock

Can dairy disrupt your sleep? Study links certain foods to nightmares

Key points

  • 40% of participants in a new study said food affects their sleep
  • Dairy and sweets were linked to worse sleep and more disturbing dreams
  • Fruit, herbal tea and vegetables were associated with better sleep quality
  • Authors suggest that lactose intolerance may play a role in dream disturbance

A recent study has explored how food may influence sleep and dreaming, with some participants reporting that certain items — particularly dairy and sweets — disrupted their rest and contributed to nightmares.

Study looked at food, sleep and dreams

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology on Monday, analysed responses from 1,082 college-aged participants who completed online surveys between January and April 2023. The survey asked about over a dozen food categories, including dairy, meat, fruit, desserts, and spicy foods.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taylor Fritz &  Morgan Riddle

The couple met on the members-only dating app Raya during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic

Getty Images

Who is Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend Morgan Riddle? All about the influencer reshaping tennis culture

Key points

  • Morgan Riddle is an influencer and media personality with over 1 million followers.
  • She is known for popularising tennis among younger audiences.
  • Riddle and Fritz met on the dating app Raya in 2020.
  • She regularly travels with Fritz on tour and featured in Netflix’s Break Point.
  • Riddle has collaborated with Wimbledon and launched tennis-themed products.

Morgan Riddle, often referred to as Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, has become a recognised figure in the tennis world, thanks to her growing media presence and efforts to modernise the sport’s image. As Fritz continues to climb the ATP rankings, currently sitting at World No. 5, Riddle is frequently seen supporting him courtside, including at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships in London.

A social media influencer with a tennis mission

Riddle has built a career as a full-time influencer and media personality, gaining popularity on Instagram and TikTok for her lifestyle, fashion and behind-the-scenes tennis content. Her viral videos, including one that aimed to “make tennis cool again,” have drawn both praise and criticism.

Keep ReadingShow less
heatwave

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts

Getty Images

Doctors warn of hidden signs of heat stroke as UK issues amber alerts

Key points

  • Amber heat-health alerts issued as temperatures approach 35°C in parts of the UK.
  • Early signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and dizziness.
  • Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke if not treated within 30 minutes.
  • At-risk groups include the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions.
  • NHS and health experts urge people to stay hydrated, cool, and avoid midday sun.

Medical experts are urging the public to remain alert for the early signs of heat stroke, as temperatures across parts of England are expected to reach up to 35°C. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts, warning that extreme heat can have serious health impacts. Doctors stress that symptoms can begin subtly, making early intervention crucial.

Heat alerts across multiple regions

Amber-level warnings are in effect for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, South East, South West, London, and the East of England.

Keep ReadingShow less