More people have access to economic opportunity

Every company must ensure its own employees are subject to fair employment terms and paid a living wage, to live up to the Break-Even Goals. Here we consider actions which go beyond this.

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About this Positive Pursuit

Every company must ensure its own employees are subject to fair employment terms and paid a living wage, to live up to the Break-Even Goals. Here we consider actions that go beyond this.

This Positive Pursuit applies if – as a result of the company’s action:

More people have access to livelihood opportunities which live up to the definition of Decent Work;
Access to markets and value chains is available to people who were previously unable to participate; or
The right to benefit economically from local resources, including land, is upheld for more communities.

Why it’s needed

Millions of people still live in poverty.
Roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about $2 a day.
The rise of the "gig economy" has created a more precarious work environment.
In the UK alone, it is estimated that 1.1 million people work in the gig economy.
Growth in jobs is not keeping pace with growth in workers.
470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labor market between 2016 and 2030.

SDGs this will contribute to

1. No poverty
Poverty is about more than lack of income. It is about ensuring everyone has the resources and resilience needed to secure a sustainable livelihood.
Learn more about SDG 1
2. Zero hunger
Hundreds of millions of people today go hungry, while unsustainable farming practices degrade soil quality, use too much water, reduce biodiversity, and put rural communities under pressure.
Learn more about SDG 2
5. Gender equality
Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit communities and society at large.
Learn more about SDG 5
8. Decent work and economic growth
Sustainable economic growth requires society to create conditions that allow the whole working age population to have quality jobs which stimulate the economy while not harming the environment.
Learn more about SDG 8
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Growth in productivity and incomes, and improvements in health and education, require innovation and investment in critical infrastructure such as transport, irrigation, energy, and information technology.
Learn more about SDG 9
14. Life below water
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive natural processes that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Careful management of this global resource is critical to our future.
Learn more about SDG 14
15. Life on land
Land degradation, deforestation and desertification - caused by human activities and climate change - pose big challenges to sustainable development and undermine the livelihoods of millions of people.
Learn more about SDG 15