Child labour – strengthening the UK’s response to a persistent problem

Summary

Children in street situations are disproportionately engaged in child labour. From the leather industry to the adult entertainment sector, and domestic work to the garment factories feeding international supply chains, the scale of economic exploitation affecting children is currently uprecedented.

Recognising the persistence and growth of the problem, this report sought to build upon understandings of the major causes of child labour and the role of small businesses and informal economies in its proliferation.

The report took care to ensure the views of working children were heard during the inquiry, and these understandings must inform the UK’s future efforts to address child labour at home and abroad.