Business

Sony has announced that it will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs by January 2028 as consumer demand shifts heavily toward digital downloads. The policy will require all future game releases to distribute exclusively via digital storefronts and download codes, though existing discs remain unaffected. The historic decision aligns with the upcoming closure of legacy PS3 and Vita digital stores, signaling a permanent end to traditional physical media ownership for the brand.

The Amsterdam stock exchange opened lower on Friday as the benchmark AEX index fell 0.5% to 1,062.05 points, tracking a sharp tech-led sell-off in Asia fueled by surging memory chip prices. Global tech sentiment soured following news that heavy AI infrastructure investments are squeezing chip supply, forcing giants like Apple and Microsoft to hike product prices, while reports emerged that OpenAI may delay its stock market flotation until next year. On the local bourse, chip equipment maker Besi led the decliners with a 3.2% drop, contrasting with telecom firm KPN, which gained 1.3% on an analyst upgrade, while broader European markets dipped alongside falling oil prices as geopolitical anxieties in the Strait of Hormuz began to ease.

Around half a million workers in Dutch nursing homes, care homes, home care, and youth health services are set to receive a 7.4 per cent pay rise over the next two years following a breakthrough collective labour agreement between trade unions and employers. Scheduled to take effect on 1 September subject to member approval, the country's largest employment deal will roll out the salary increase in four stages alongside a boost to commuting allowances. Both union and employer representatives have praised the comprehensive package, noting that it provides a crucial financial lift for the lowest-income groups while addressing vital workplace issues such as employee safety, workload management, and staff participation.

Albert Heijn will stop grocery deliveries nationwide from 3:00 PM on Friday due to the KNMI’s code red heat warning. The supermarket says employee safety comes first. Deliveries are expected to resume Saturday morning, while customers are asked to visit stores or reschedule orders.

Eindhoven is growing rapidly and becoming increasingly international, yet many residents still live alongside one another. The StadsMakers International programme brings locals and internationals together to design practical initiatives that strengthen neighbourhood connections. On 28 June, participants present their solutions during the StadsMakers Expo at Strijp‑S.

Drugstore employees at Etos, Kruidvat, and Holland & Barrett will strike again on Saturday, FNV says. The union is protesting proposed cuts to Sunday pay and stalled collective labor agreement talks.

The Supreme Court has ruled that taxpayers who failed to object to the Box 3 levy on time will not receive compensation, despite the tax later being declared unlawful. The decision affects more than a million people hoping for a refund.

Next week will see widespread strikes across the Netherlands as cleaners and metal workers join public transport staff to protest against government spending cuts. Organised by trade unions, the industrial action targets planned reductions to state pensions (AOW), unemployment benefits (WW), and disability support (WIA). The disruptions will include a total halt to morning train services and a 24-hour cleaners' strike on Wednesday, followed by a full-day walkout by regional metal workers on Friday, as unions demand that the government permanently drop the cuts.