While overall self-employed numbers drop in the aftermath of the pandemic and IR35 reforms, the disabled self-employed continue to thrive - increasing year on year since 2013.
One group in particular are choosing to work for themselves: disabled people. In fact, since 2013, the number of self-employed disabled people has risen by 39 per cent. The number of self-employed disabled has increased by seven per cent since 2020.
Despite the large number of disabled people in self-employment, very little is known about this group. In our research we aim to answer some of the burning questions about this under-researched sector such as: who are the disabled self-employed, what are their motivations for entering self-employment, what are the key challenges they face and how can we better support them?
The Disabled Self-Employed in 2022
This report outlines the size of the disabled self-employed sector, demographic and occupational changes since 2020 whilst also reviewing the motivations and experiences of the disabled self-employed before concluding with a series of policy recommendations for government.
As part of the research project, we interviewed the disabled self-employed in two focus groups chaired by IPSE and Disability Rights UK where disabled freelancers shared their experiences of self-employment.
Read the report
- Expand access to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit to the self-employed.
- Re-design the Work Capability Assessment.
- Reform Universal Credit by extending the start-up period and permanently suspending the Minimum Income Floor.
- Promote and expand the Access to Work scheme.
- Expand the adjustment passports trial to those considering a self-employed career.
Read our full report 'Making self-employment work for disabled people'
For this report, IPSE partnered with Community trade union to gather the views of disabled people, consult with experts from government, the charity sector and academia, and analyse data from the Office for National Statistics to uncover more about this poorly understood group.
Read the report
Read our 2019 data brief on the number of disabled people in the UK
To better understand and support this growing sector within self-employment, IPSE has continued to conduct research on the topic throughout 2019. You can find the most up-to-date information about the demographic and occupational composition of the disabled self-employed here.
There are barriers in employment for disabled people such as fear and stigma, it is very difficult to fight prejudice. Employer attitudes towards mental health conditions, for instance, is a great issue – 56 per cent of employers wouldn’t employ someone with a mental health condition because of fear and stigma from co-workers.
Director of policy, Shaw Trust
I’m autistic, so I struggled to get a job where it’s people facing. I don’t generally like talking on the phone, so I can’t really work in a call centre because it would make me have panic attacks. Just having a normal job is not something I found easy.
Disabled freelancer, works in graphic design
Self-employment can provide a boost in self-worth.
Policy manager, Disability Rights UK
Yes, the thing of you are your own boss is great. I like that. It’s probably the greatest positive.
Disabled freelancer, works as musician
Where next?
Back to Campaigns
Back to CampaignsRead the report
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Read the data brief
Click here