The missing millions: Due diligence in informal settings
Feb 11, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
CC7
Description
Interpretation is available in Chinese.
Estimates suggest that in some countries, up to 90% of the workforce in the sector operates informally - within small, unregistered factories, at home, or collecting and sorting waste for recycling. Despite their contributions to global production and recycling systems, these workers often remain invisible in companies’ due diligence efforts.
This session will focus on due diligence in informal work settings beyond the factory floor, with particular attention to homeworkers and waste pickers. Panellists will discuss strategies for identifying informal workers and tailoring their due diligence to the varying likelihood and severity of adverse impacts compared to formal settings. The panellists will also share insights from their engagement with informal workers, as well as examples of national laws and frameworks aimed at improving protections and working conditions of informal workers.
