This study aims to gain insight into how the transition to a more circular economy could impact the labour market, with a focus on net job creation or loss, job creation at different skill levels and geographical job concentration.

The methodology used was a combination of literature review and exploratory data analysis, the latter mainly focused on the Belgian region of Flanders.

It concluded that the transition will positively affect employment for vulnerable groups and reduce overall unemployment. The transition also has the potential to reduce the educational and geographical mismatches present in the Flemish labour market.

However, opportunities will vary between regions and the quality of jobs is key (some jobs in the waste sector are 'dirty jobs').