Circular sectors generated £37.33 in Gross Value Added per hour in 2021, nearly £5 more per hour than the Scottish average, according to research by Zero Waste Scotland.
The analysis found that the reuse, repair, recycling, and resource harvesting sectors generated £37.33 in Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked in 2021. The average across the Scottish economy is £32.22.
GVA is a measure of the economic value created through the production of goods and services.
The Circular Economy Jobs Tracker found that labour productivity in circular sectors was 16% higher than the economy-wide average, and translated into a total contribution of around £4 billion to Scotland’s GDP in 2021.
The circular economy sectors account for 2.6% of total Scottish employment, with 56,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
Employment is concentrated in reuse and repair industries, with automotive repair making up roughly a quarter of circular jobs.
Employees in circular sectors earned an average of £39,500 per year, approximately 5% higher than the economy-wide average.
Commenting on the report, Ciaran McGuigan, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “For too long, the circular economy has been seen as an environmental ambition, but this research shows it is already an economic asset.”
“Circular jobs are integral to Scotland’s economy, and circular skills are in high demand. Our economy is undergoing a fundamental shift.”
“Circularity drives innovation, unlocks investment, supports business expansion, creates jobs, and lays the foundation for a future-ready economy. This isn’t a distant ambition, it’s already underway.”
