Self-employed sector surging, new stats show
- 14 May 2019
IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) welcomes new statistics showing the self-employed sector is surging.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the number of self-employed in the UK has risen by 175,000 compared to the same time last year.
This includes more than 60,000 people in highly skilled technical work and an extra 50,000 in construction.
Ryan Barnett, IPSE’s Economic Policy Advisor, commented:
“These statistics show just how attractive the opportunities, freedom and flexibility of freelancing are. Despite political turbulence, freelancers are creating businesses and driving innovation with their dynamism and get-up-and-go spirit.
“The government must make sure the self-employed can fire on all cylinders by giving them real support. It should give them not only fair parental rights and pensions, but also a tax system that is fit for the digital era. Only then will we unlock the true value of the 4.8 million people who now add £275bn to the economy.”
Meet the author
