New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of self-employed people in the UK has fallen to 4.5 million, down from 5.0 million at this time last year. The number of people who changed from reporting themselves as self-employed to an employee was 277,000 in Q3 of this year, the highest level since records began.
Responding to the new figures, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “Our self-employed community was fundamental to our recovery from the last recession. If we want it to play that same role again, policymakers must do more to support it.
“The economy will be permanently changed by Covid, and we need to encourage more of those who are leaving jobs that will not return to launch enterprises that will be here for years to come.
“We’ve successfully worked alongside government on the Enterprising You initiative in Manchester – exploring new ways to increase the take-up of training opportunities among the self-employed. It’s now time for the pilot to be rolled-out more widely.
“Universal credit also needs to be permanently reformed so that it reflects the realities of starting a new business – not everyone can be blessed with ready access to start-up capital. The Government listened to us where the Minimum Income Floor is concerned – delaying its reintroduction – but there is more work to do, especially where the start-up period is concerned.
“Too many independents are falling through cracks in the current business support landscape – not least new business owners, sole traders earning more than £50,000 and company directors – that urgently needs to change if we want more people to take the start-up plunge and become the employers of the future.
“Policymakers must do more to encourage those who are out of work to strike out on their own – a Kickstart Start-Up initiative, could be one way forward, building on the success of the New Enterprise Allowance and Start-Up Loans programmes.
“We’re working closely with unions to find constructive ways forward in this space and will be presenting further recommendations around how to arrest this incredibly concerning drop in self-employment in the very near future.”
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.