As part of the European Commission’s call for evidence on the upcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap, RREUSE has submitted its input based on the realities and experiences of its social enterprise members active in reuse, repair and recycling.
Our contribution highlights how these enterprises already deliver on the roadmap’s key pillars — from providing decent working conditions and hands-on training in green skills, to supporting fair transitions into the labour market. Examples from our network, such as HERW!N’s recent tripartite agreement in Flanders, illustrate how social enterprises actively improve job quality while promoting inclusion and sustainability.
Despite this potential, many of these efforts remain under-recognised in EU and national policy frameworks. RREUSE calls for stronger integration of social economy actors in key areas such as public procurement, state aid and circular economy policies. The roadmap should also support the development of national social economy strategies in line with the Social Economy Action Plan.
Additionally, there is a greater scope to expand universal access to training for individuals who face barriers to formal education due to cost, geography, or caregiving responsibilities. More targeted support is also needed to help workers transition from protected to mainstream labour markets, building on good practices such as inclusive employment quota systems in Croatia and Italy.
By embedding these priorities, the Quality Jobs Roadmap can help ensure that Europe’s drive for competitiveness supports meaningful, inclusive and future-oriented employment.
Public consultation
Manifesto
