Making it very hard to leave a company sends a worrying signal to potential recruits

Ross McEwan to step down from top job at end of October

News of chief executive’s departure highlights problems the tobacco group faces

PageGroup and Robert Walters cite Brexit, Sino-US trade war and Hong Kong protests

Critics of AI platforms doubt whether they eliminate human interviewers’ prejudices

Wearable tech will measure workers’ true productivity, supercharging capitalism

Resist the temptation to rely on networks. Plus: practical tips for recruiters

Employers focus on better ways to hire wider range of people

Tight labour market gives job candidates more power in recruitment process

Managers matter but it is hard to gauge what individuals contribute

Stefan Bomhard joins tobacco group from car dealer Inchcape

Pharma company’s use of algorithms marks fast-growing trend in big digitally-savvy markets including India

The office is evolving, but are we more productive? We look at what motivates employees and how leaders get things done. Plus: canteens get a refresh, hiring by algorithm, future-proofed corporate culture, and gig work shakes up white-collar jobs

Profits also dented by strikes in France, UK election and Australian bushfires

The number of people hired doubled between 2017 and 2020

Executive elevated from interim role after six month search process

Placement follows warning that virus had caused “material deceleration” in business

Recruiters scrambling to adapt as companies put expansion plans on ice 

World’s fleet under renewed pressure to clean up its act and curb greenhouse gases

The IMO energy transition, with its clear date and standards, provides valuable lessons

Container ships may shrink in size if manufacturing moves closer to its markets. The FT's Robert Wright explores

Robotics likely to cause less long-distance offshoring and curb demand for huge vessels

MSC joins ranking dominated by coal power in sign of uneven climate clampdown

Brussels opens in-depth investigation into Hyundai Heavy and Daewoo Shipbuilding merger

Anti-bribery prosecutors say actions concern the securing of shipping contracts

World’s largest container shipping group may use strengthened balance sheet to swoop

Regulations are dripping with good intentions but come at a cost

China shutdown leaves crews stuck at sea, shipyards deserted and shipowners hunting for work

Premium offered for shares as group seeks to pay back debt owed by its parent company

Danish shipping group hit by ‘very, very weak February’ but hopes for rebound in April

Baltic Dry index shows two-thirds drop in vessel leasing rates since start of December

Warnings of disruptions heighten focus on China’s outsized role in global sourcing

French transport group says factories coming back online but investors bet company will default

China’s exports show signs of recovery but demand falters in US and Europe

Marine operators are looking to clean up their act

Covid-19 and price war shock US shale production. Plus: life after a $600m gamble on renewables; biofuels for aviation; ammonia’s potential for shipping; new power sources as architectural landmarks; ending human gluttony for cheap power

Tens of thousands of mariners are stranded because of coronavirus restrictions

Cost of hiring a very large crude carrier rises past $200,000/day

The collapse in the price of the black stuff is proving a boon for ship owners

Trade union issues warning as coronavirus fears leave 11,000 crew members stranded at sea 

UK government support needed to ensure supply of food and medicines

‘Slow steaming’ options for imports gain popularity as coronavirus lockdowns sap demand

Industry forecast to suffer $25bn hit this year as coronavirus changes working life

Appointment comes as tension rises over government decision to restrict 5G rollout

Subsidies and freebies to retain cash-strapped users add to sector’s financial burden

Postponement comes as Swedish group wins 5G core contract after Chinese rival blocked on security concerns 

Operators grapple with fierce competition in their battle to boost profits

Chief of French state-backed company said decision was made with ‘heavy heart’

Chinese telecoms group reports 1.4% rise in first-quarter sales to $25.7bn

Social media giant eyes new audience in India but deal may not leave it with much to take home