How Freeing Forced Labour Could Boost GDP by $611b – Insights from the Latest ILO Report
The ILO report “Acting Against Forced Labour: An Assessment of Investment Requirements and Economic Benefits” argues that the global eradication of forced labour is both a moral imperative and an economically sound investment. This recent report demonstrates that the costs of interventions needed to end forced labour are significantly outweighed by the economic benefits gained by reintegrating freed workers into the formal economy.
Financial Investment Required
The report unfolds its thesis by first, estimating the financial investment required to combat forced labour globally. To illustrate, it calculates that a one-time investment of $212 billion (0.14% of global GDP in 2025) would fund targeted interventions. For example, prevention, protection, and enforcement strategies that directly address forced labour. These interventions are based on international legal frameworks such as the ILO Forced Labour Convention. As well as its supplementary protocols.
Economic Benefits
Secondly, the report shifts focus to the economic benefits of ending forced labour. This recent ILO report estimates that ….
that freeing and reintegrating workers into the regular labour market would trigger a demand-driven GDP increase of approximately $611 billion.
That’s not just a number — it’s a testament to the untapped potential of millions of lives currently trapped in exploitation.
Modern slavery affects over 50 million people globally (ILO, 2022). Behind each statistic is a person with skills, dreams, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to society. Yet, when people are forced into labour, their talents are squandered. In addition, their innovation is stifled, and economies suffer. The ILO’s findings remind us that human rights and economic prosperity are deeply intertwined.
This economic uplift stems from increased consumer spending by former forced labourers. Additionally, higher productivity and greater tax revenues. Furthermore, ending forced labour would reduce public expenditures on victim services. It would therefore free up resources for other national development goals.
MORE Benefits in this ILO report
Finally, this ILO report highlights that the true economic benefits are likely underestimated, as the analysis does not fully account for indirect benefits like improved health, education, and innovation levels. Moreover, it stresses that beyond direct interventions, complementary investments in social protections, education, and fair recruitment practices are essential to create an enabling environment for sustainable progress.
Ultimately, the report concludes that ending forced labour is not only a humanitarian and legal obligation but also makes undeniable economic sense. We join them in calling on governments, employers, and international bodies to collaborate and mobilise the necessary resources.
How Can You Help?
At The Freedom Hub Survivor School, we’ve seen firsthand how empowering survivors of modern slavery not only transforms lives but also strengthens communities. When survivors are supported in their recovery and reintegrated into the workforce, they bring resilience, unique perspectives, and a drive to succeed. It’s more than charity—it’s smart economics. A thriving, ethical workforce benefits everyone, from local businesses to national economies.
Here are 3 ways businesses and leaders can contribute to this change:
- Check your Supply Chains: Ensure your business isn’t inadvertently supporting forced labour by conducting thorough supply chain audits below T1 and partnering with ethical suppliers.
- Support Survivor Employment: Create pathways for survivors to re-enter the workforce through training programs, mentorship, and fair employment opportunities.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Use your voice to support policies that protect workers’ rights and promote transparency in industries vulnerable to exploitation.
The ILO report is a wake-up call—ending forced labour isn’t just about justice; it’s about unlocking economic potential.
Every small action counts. By supporting ethical practices and empowering survivors, we can build a world where freedom fuels prosperity.
How are you contributing to a more ethical economy? We would love to hear your thoughts on this report.