Keeping Workers in the Loop hero image

Keeping Workers in the Loop

Preparing for a Just, Fair, and Inclusive Transition to Circular Fashion

December 8, 2021
Authors
  • Margot Brent portrait

    Margot Brent

    Manager, Transformation, BSR

  • Kate Coles

    Former Director, Governments and Foundations, BSR

  • Cliodhnagh Conlon portrait

    Cliodhnagh Conlon

    Director, Consumer Sectors, BSR

  • Laura Macias portrait

    Laura Macias

    Manager, RISE, BSR

  • Jacob Park portrait

    Jacob Park

    Director, Transformation, BSR

The environmental and commercial benefits of a transition to circular fashion are clear, but the social impacts have received less attention. While a shift to circularity will create new roles and important opportunities for entrepreneurship, there are also serious challenges around marginalized groups, reskilling, and labor market disruption. 

This report explores the job impacts of the circular fashion transition, informed by BSR’s 18-month collective research with industry leaders and stakeholders via Keeping Workers in the Loop (KWIL). From automation to climate disruption, it considers the impact of a changing industry context and dynamics on workers and offers recommendations to industry and policymakers on creating a just, fair and inclusive circular fashion system.

KWIL has been supported by Laudes Foundation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); is led by BSR, in partnership with Catalyst Management Services, India and economists from the University of Lincoln; and includes H&M Group, Shahi Exports, The Renewal Workshop, Target, and VF Corporation as industry partners.


Executive Summary Full Report Tech Note 1 Tech Note 2 Tech Note 3

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