Glossary
2025 VSME Recommendation

Worker in the value chain

An individual performing work in the value chain of the undertaking, regardless of the existence or nature of any contractual relationship with the undertaking. In the ESRS, the scope of workers in the value chain include all workers in the undertaking’s upstream and downstream value chain who are or can be materially impacted by the undertaking. This includes impacts that are connected to the undertaking’s own operations, and value chain, including through its products or services, as well as through its business relationships. This includes all workers who are not in the scope of ‘Own Workforce’ (‘Own Workforce’ includes people who are in an employment relationship with the undertaking (‘employees’) and non-employees who are either individual contractors supplying labour to the undertaking (‘self-employed people’) or people provided by undertakings primarily engaged in employment activities (NACE Code O78).

Welcome to the ESRS Knowledge Hub

You’re currently using the Starter plan, which gives you free access to explore and understand ESRS standards.

With Professional access, you can:

  • Work actively with ESRS standards
  • Save and manage relevant sections
  • Stay informed about updates
View Professional access