Another European airline halts operations; do smoking breaks cause resentment? and more top news

The news professionals in Europe are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments. 

XL Airways has suspended operations after failing to draw any takeover bids over the weekend. The Paris-based airline stopped selling tickets on September 19 and was placed into receivership days later. CEO Laurent Magnin previously said the company needed €35 million to survive, blaming in part competition from low-cost rival Norwegian, as well as the “yellow vest” protests, for its difficulties. It follows the recent collapse of France's second-largest airline, Aigle Azur, and that of UK travel giant Thomas Cook. ? Here’s what people are saying.

A trial involving more than 400,000 owners of VW diesel vehicles opened in Germany yesterday. The case, brought by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV) on behalf of consumers, marks the first time Germans can pursue group claims after a change in law last year. The consumer group accuses VW of putting drivers at risk by installing software to deliberately cheat emissions; the auto giant rejects the argument, saying the vehicles “are safe and roadworthy”. The ‘dieselgate’ scandal has so far cost VW €30 billion. ? Here’s what people are saying.

More than half of UK workers think smoking and vaping breaks cause resentment at work, reveals advisory firm Willis Towers Watson. Their survey found that 58% of employees said they or their work colleagues smoke or vape during working hours, taking an average of three smoking breaks each day. “When one group is seen as having an unfair advantage over another, it can lead to tension and dissatisfaction, which can have a ripple effect on the morale of the entire workforce," says Mike Blake, wellbeing lead at Willis Towers Watson. ? Here’s what people are saying.

When we share our slip-ups with others, we can give ourselves and our teams a creative boost, according to Northwestern Kellogg’s Leigh Thompson. Study participants who shared embarrassing stories generated 28% more ideas in a standard creativity test (coming up with novel uses for a paper clip) than those who shared a prideful story. Getting our blush-inducing feelings out in the open can remind us, and others, that we are fallible, freeing us up to explore ideas more openly. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Passengers looking to avoid screaming babies on their flights may be in luck: there’s now an airline that allows customers to see where young children are seated on a plane before selecting their own spots. Japan Airlines introduced the feature, but warned it could err if tickets are booked through a third party or there’s a last-minute change of plane. While some customers lauded the move, others suggested more compassion — or noise cancelling headphones — may be a better option. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: In today's world, people have an increasing number of jobs (and careers) throughout their lifetime, and thus should never stop learning, says Sergio P. Ermotti, Group Chief Executive Officer at UBS.

"The most crucial point ... is the importance of lifelong learning. Whether graduating from university or completing an apprenticeship, learning shouldn’t stop the moment a person walks out the door."

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

— Capucine Yeomans