Brouns aims for 1,000 climate jobs at custom companies | Inland

The measure is part of the Flemish Energy and Climate Plan (VEKP) 2021-2030. That plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 2005. The 1,000 jobs in the tailor-made companies must contribute to this.

Minister Brouns refers to the thrift shops as a well-known example, for example through the collection and repair of clothing or electronic devices. In addition, this includes bicycle points and Foodsavers, organizations that work with food surpluses.

According to Brouns, the development of a social circular economy in Flanders can be “an enormous lever in achieving the climate objectives”. Studies estimate that a well-developed circular economy can reduce greenhouse gases by between 40 percent and 60 percent.

In a first step, Flanders provides 8 million euros, good for additional employment for approximately 360 target group employees. The remaining jobs will be created in two subsequent phases.

The first call is open to all tailor-made companies that already fill their current quota of target group employees. They will have approximately two months to submit an application. The admissible applications will then be subject to a substantive examination.

“If we want to achieve a higher employment rate, we absolutely have to give opportunities to people who are further away from the labor market, including people with an occupational disability,” says Minister Brouns. “Through this call, we are working towards an employment rate of 80. At the same time, we are working on reducing our CO₂emissions. In this way we kill two birds with one stone,” concludes the CD&V minister.