SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth

Goal: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Global Context

Global unemployment stood at approximately 5.8% in 2023, but this masks significant underemployment and informal employment affecting over 2 billion workers. 160 million children are engaged in child labour. Forced labour affects 28 million people. The informal economy accounts for 60% of global employment. Technological change and the green transition are reshaping labour markets.

Key Targets

Key targets include sustaining per capita economic growth (8.1), achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and innovation (8.2), promoting development-oriented policies supporting productive activities and decent job creation (8.3), improving resource efficiency in consumption and production (8.4), achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all (8.5), reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (8.6), eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, and child labour (8.7), and protecting labour rights and promoting safe working environments (8.8).

Business Contribution

Businesses contribute through fair wages and benefits (living wage commitments), safe and healthy working conditions, freedom of association and collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour and child labour in supply chains, youth employment and skills programmes, inclusive hiring practices, and supporting just transition for workers affected by decarbonisation.

Measurement & Reporting

GRI 401-409 (Employment, Labour/Management Relations, OHS, Training, Diversity, Non-discrimination, Freedom of Association, Child Labour, Forced Labour), SASB Human Capital metrics, SA8000, Fair Labor Association standards.

Primary Sources

ILO, ILO ILOSTAT, World Bank Jobs

From ESG Library

• ESG & GRI Reporting Made Simple — SDG mapping and disclosure guidance
• Practical Guide to ESG Integration — Integrating SDGs into business strategy

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Related Topics

• GRI Standards
• UN Global Compact
• Environmental SDGs
• Social SDGs
• Governance SDGs