The aim of this study is to examine the role of the circular economy in employment
and to prove this with statistically significant results. The paper includes an analysis
of the 27 European Union Member States along specifically selected indicators. The
methodology of the study is based on general statistical approaches, and the results
obtained with correlation and regression methods are compared with cluster and compatibility
analysis. The background to the topic is the fact that the circular economy not only
promotes sustainability, but also generates dynamic labour market changes that offer
new opportunities for both workers and enterprises. By focusing on recycling waste
and extending the life of products, this economic model encourages the emergence of
new industries. Consequently, the shift towards innovative practices is also stimulating
the growth of the service industry. However, while the circular economy model has
never been more popular, the average EU-27 circular material use rate has increased
from 11.0 % in 2012 to just 11.4 % in 2021. The research area of the paper was influenced
by the availability of statistical data. The results can be used as situation analysis
to green the employment market and labour economics.
