Combating Forced Labour: new handbook for employers and business

12 November 2008 - In the context of an expert group initiative on supply chain management of the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), the International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed a handbook for employers and businesses to address forced labour and human trafficking in their operations and global supply chains.

In most countries, forced labour and trafficking are punishable by law. Additionally, in today's global economy, companies have increased responsibilities and pressures to ensure that production complies with social and human rights.

ILO estimates that around 80 percent of all labour abuse takes place in the private economy. Much of this occurs in the informal economy where labour practices are not regulated or monitored. However, in recent years, several major companies have also faced allegations of labour abuse

The new publication entitled "Combating forced labour: A handbook for Employers and Business", provides information on issues such as forced labour, human trafficking, prison labour, debt bondage, abuses in labour contract systems, overtime and different forms of coercion in employment. It was developed in extensive consultation with experts from companies, as well as international and national employers' organisations and civil society groups, all from different regions and economic sectors.

"The role of employers and the private sector in the fight against forced labour is of paramount importance", said Roger Plant, head of the ILO Special Action Programme to Combat Forced Labour, which led the development of the handbook. "Business is increasingly asking for guidance in combating forced labour, and we intend to continue supporting them."

Split into seven booklets, the handbook provides guidance on preventive and remedial action, reviews good practices in combating forced labour, and offers information relevant to senior business managers, human resource personnel, sourcing and social compliance staff, and social auditors among others.  Its content is targeted at small and multinational enterprises alike identifying what forced labour is and why it is a significant concern for business.

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More information about the handbook (on the ILO website)