The UK’s transition to a circular economy is under pressure from a critical shortage of skilled workers, according to a new report by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
The report highlights that without immediate action, the workforce needed to support circularity and sustainable material management may fall short, threatening both economic resilience and environmental objectives.
Current UK material consumption stands at 15.3 tonnes per person annually—roughly double what is considered sustainable—with over 90% of materials lost at end-of-life. Moving away from this linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular framework requires not only infrastructure and policy support but also a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in materials, chemical processes, and lifecycle management.
The report stresses that long-term policy certainty and government strategy are vital to encourage industry investment and career development. It also calls for better awareness of job opportunities, increased workforce diversity, and strengthened support for education and reskilling programs. Rachel Stonehouse, Head of Policy at IOM3, emphasized that chemical and materials science and engineering are central to delivering a low-carbon, circular economy.
Survey and workshop data underpin the report’s analysis, showing that while core skills remain important, the circular economy will increasingly demand critical thinking, systems analysis, and interdisciplinary expertise. Gaps in chemical process engineering, R&D, and metallurgical techniques are already evident, with key roles such as chemical engineers, materials engineers, and environmental consultants in short supply.
The report provides practical recommendations for government, industry, and educational institutions to coordinate efforts and strengthen the circular economy workforce pipeline.
Government response underscores alignment with policy goals. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reaffirmed commitment to building a circular economy. The report, Jobs and Skills for a Circular Economy: A Cross-Sector Perspective from the Chemical and Materials Science and Engineering Communities, synthesizes insights from workshops with 47 expert stakeholders and a survey of 54 participants, spanning industry, academia, and policy.
The post UK Faces Urgent Skills Shortage to Deliver Circular Economy, Industry Report Warns first appeared on www.circularbusinessreview.com.
