IPSE hails continued labour market strength
IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, has responded to newly released employment statistics showing the continuing strength of the UK labour market.
The number of self-employed in the UK has grown by 88,000 in the three months to July, compared to the same time last year. That means there are now 4.85 million self-employed people – making up 15.1% of the workforce. This highlights that self-employment is continuing to grow and will increase its share of the UK labour force going forward as opportunities present themselves.
The new figures show the number of employees in the UK has increased by 292,000, compared to the same time last year. There are now 27.1 million employees – a total 84.9% of the workforce.
Tom Purvis, IPSE economic policy adviser, said:
“Today’s figures show the continuing strength and success of the UK labour market. This success can be attributed to more and more people opting to become self-employed.
“Being self-employed can be hard work, but research has shown that the majority enjoy what they do. Our research shows that when people make the decision to go self-employed, very few would consider giving it up for a job where someone else is your boss.
“At a time when the UK economy has to navigate its way through Brexit, it is imperative that we continue to promote a flexible UK labour market. It has been responsible for almost half of the recent growth in the labour market as a whole and this development needs to be supported.”
