Impact assessment and labour: developing a learning approach

This paper examines how a learning approach to impact assessment could be developed in relation to workers covered by company codes of labour practice. It develops a value chain to impact mapping approach, and examines how code impact is mediated through different management approaches within a value chain. Workers' labour standards vary according to their employment status, with women and disadvantaged ethnic groups often experiencing the worst conditions and greater vulnerability to poverty. A sustainable learning approach extends beyond compliance and proving impact. It focuses on how the participation of workers as well as trade unions and NGOs in code implementation can help to enhance workers' rights and contribute to poverty alleviation and development. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.