Why the India-UK trade deal could be a lifeline for the world’s most vulnerable workers

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Conversation, click this post to read the original article.

A new trade agreement between India and the UK is set to launch this year, removing tariffs from nearly 99% of Indian goods, including clothing and footwear, entering the UK. This is being celebrated in both countries for promoting economic growth and improving market competitiveness. If you’re watching this development closely, you should know it could be especially beneficial for India’s garment industry, which has been struggling as brands shifted production to cheaper locations like Morocco and Turkey. For the many internal migrant workers in India who face job insecurity and unstable incomes, the deal raises hopes for more stable employment opportunities.

However, it’s important to realize that free trade agreements have far-reaching implications beyond economics. While you might expect this deal to boost jobs in India’s garment sector, the real question is about the nature of that employment. India’s clothing industry is one of the most labor-intensive and exploitative, plagued by poor wages and limited worker rights. Gender and caste-based discrimination are widespread, and varying levels of exploitation—from long hours to insecure contracts—are common in factories across the country. Without addressing these deep-rooted issues, a rise in orders may simply continue cycles of unfair labor practices.

For women in the industry, the risks are even more significant. Many factories expose workers to gender-based violence, low pay, and poor working conditions. If you consider how caste plays into job roles and exploitation, the situation becomes more complex. Workers from marginalized caste groups often fill the worst-paid and most hazardous jobs with limited power to negotiate better terms. Unfortunately, the agreement doesn’t directly address caste, leaving a gap between paper commitments to fair labor and what really happens on the ground.

Although the trade deal does include a chapter on labor rights, it focuses largely on voluntary cooperation rather than setting strict, enforceable standards. This means that while protecting workers is acknowledged, there’s no strong mechanism to ensure improvements actually happen. If you’re looking at this from a social perspective, that’s a missed opportunity. Forced labor and discrimination won’t easily be fixed with optional guidelines.

Ultimately, for this India-UK trade deal to be viewed as truly successful, its implementation must prioritize social justice along with economic benefits. Both countries have the chance to demand and enforce better labor standards—from fair wages to safer working conditions. If you’re invested in ethical trade, this agreement should go beyond balancing prices and profits. It should help shape conditions that protect worker rights and promote dignity across the global supply chain.