G7: EU announces support to improve workplace safety and labour practices in producing countries

The European Commission announces a €3 million contribution for the G7 i's 'Vision Zero Fund'.

Every year, 2.3 million people die from work related accidents or diseases around the world. This is 6300 people every day.

Ahead of the G7 Employment and Development Ministerial Meeting today and tomorrow in Berlin the European Commission announced a €3 million contribution for the G7's 'Vision Zero Fund'. This Fund will support low income countries where goods are made, to reduce and prevent workplace related deaths, improve labour inspections, ensure fair production and help workers to exercise their rights.

The Vision Zero Fund will support joint activities of governments, businesses, social partners and NGOs and builds on the commitment made at the G7 Summit in Elmau, Germany in June 2015 to foster sustainable global supply chains and to agree on concrete actions for implementation and follow-up. It will get its funding from both public and private contributions and will be managed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO i). Its first pilot activities will start in 2016, focusing on the ready-made garment sectors of selected producing countries.

The European Commission is working to ensure that social considerations are appropriately taken into account both in internal and external policies of the EU, including in global issues such as supply chain sustainability and decent work.