12th June 2026

Today is World Day Against Child Labour. There are 138 million children across the world in child labour situations.  That's half the number it was in 2010, but progress is slow. Agriculture remains the largest sector for child labour, accounting for 61% of all cases, followed by services (27%), like domestic work and selling goods in markets. Nearly 54 million children are engaged in hazardous work.  A third of children in child labour are denied an education because they are working. Around 66% of all child labour is in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some children are forced into work whilst others work because their families need their incomes to survive. Under the slogan “Red card to child labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults”, the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour campaign calls for reinforced action on the policies that prevent child labour and withdrawn children from it:  quality education, universal social protection, decent work and adequate livelihoods for adults, stronger laws and enforcement, better data and monitoring systems, and responsible action in agriculture and supply chains. 

Loving God, we place in your call all children who are forced to work through abuse, exploitation or poverty. We pray for their safety. Loving God guide authorities across the world to address the causes of child labour.  May they ensure no child is denied an education and that no family should be in a position where the children have to work. May all children have the freedom to play, learn, and enjoy their childhoods. May their hopes and dreams for their futures become more than dreams and hopes.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

You can find out more about World Day Against Child Labour here.

According to the UK's Confederation of British Industry (CBI) the UK’s green economy is is now worth more than £100bn a year. Louise Hellem, chief economist for the CBI, said: “Clean power and decarbonisation are already a significant and growing part of the UK’s industrial base." She added: “At a time when the UK must strengthen energy security and drive growth, the net zero economy is becoming central to the country’s future competitiveness.” Over 300,000 people are employed directly in net-zero businesses but when their supply chains and related businesses are taken into account, this reaches 1.1m jobs, and accounts for £105bn in “gross value added”, a measure of economic activity similar to GDP. That's around 4 percent of the UK’s economic output, with over 96 percent of firms classified as small or medium-sized enterprises. 

A prayer inspired by Psalms 42 and 18

As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you, O God.

Your way is perfect.

All your promises prove true.

You are a shield for all who look to you for protection.

You give me strength,

and make my way perfect.

You have made a wide path for my feet

to keep them from slipping.

You make me as surefooted as a deer,

enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

Your right hand supports me.

Praise and glory, honour and power

be yours for ever.  Amen.