Labour in Coffee

Workers, wages, rights, gender and working conditions across coffee production and service.

The labour chain

Coffee involves farm workers, family labour, seasonal workers, processing staff, mill workers, warehouse teams, traders, roasters, baristas and other workers.

Producer livelihoods

Farm income is affected by yields, input costs, labour costs, local wages, coffee prices, quality premiums, finance and market access. A higher export price does not automatically translate into a higher worker or farmer income.

Child labour and forced labour

These are serious supply-chain risks that require due diligence and effective prevention and remediation systems. Certification alone should not be treated as proof that every risk has been eliminated.

Gender and inclusion

Women contribute substantially to coffee production and household economies but can face unequal access to land, finance, training and market opportunities. Good programmes identify specific barriers rather than assuming all producers experience the same conditions.

Café labour

In the UK, coffee-shop work also involves pay, scheduling, training, safety, tips and progression. The consumer-facing café is another part of the coffee value chain.