Child labour contributes to slowing levels of economic growth, which in turn affects a country’s development trajectory. Close to 168 million children aged 5-17 years are estimated to be engaged in child labour, and figures from the International Labour Organisation show this prevalence persists despite recent progress in poverty reduction. 

This report, co-authored by ODI and World Vision UK, shows that eliminating child labour helps generate inclusive economic growth, enables stronger educational opportunities for children and furthers other important development objectives. It shows the different ways in which child labour contributes to slower economic growth and draws clear links between eliminating child labour and the UK government’s ability to fulfil its international development objectives. It argues that several of the Department for International Development’s policy commitments cannot be fully achieved without tackling child labour. This analysis is equally applicable to other global development actors including donors and non-governmental organisations.