Measuring and modelling circular jobs: A review of definitions, databases, methods and models for understanding employment in the circular economy

This report presents the findings from a review of definitions, databases, methods and models that are used globally today to measure or model employment in the circular economy. The review outlined in this report was led by Circle Economy, with technical inputs from teams at the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in close partnership and with support from Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE).

This review lays the groundwork for a global report with the first authoritative global modelled estimates of employment in the circular economy, which will be produced under the Initiative from 2024 to 2025. It was produced under Jobs in the Circular Economy, a joint initiative of the ILO, Circle Economy and the WBG, which aims to put data and practical tools in the hands of policymakers and decision-makers to inform and support pathways towards more socially fair and just environmental and economic policies and interventions.