Oxfam believes that access to decent work on a living wage is a fundamental pathway out of poverty, and one of the best ways to counter growing inequality. This summary of recent Oxfam research paints a picture of workers, mostly women, who are working hard but trapped in poverty producing food and garments for consumers. Four of the five studies were conducted with companies who source or sell the products. The paper outlines the findings, gives a progress update and looks at what needs to change for workers like these to enjoy decent work on a living wage in the future.