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Huge self-employment increase

06.02.13

According to figures revealed by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of self-employed workers in the UK has increased by 10% since the start of the recession. Meanwhile, the number of full-time employees fell by 434,000 (2%).

Over 220,000 people became self-employed between 2011 and 2012 alone, with a total of around 367,000 becoming self-employed since 2008. Perhaps surprisingly, 84% of the increase in self-employed workers was for 50+ year olds.

There are now an estimated 4.2million self-employed workers in the UK, a number which is forecasted to continue to rise as long as the economy remains the way it is. The ONS' figures also showed that the average self-employed worker works for 38 hours per week, two hours more than the average hours worked by an employee.

A couple of other interesting figures revealed by the ONS are that 13% of self-employed people work over 60 hours in a week, and a staggering 70% of all self-employed workers in the UK are male.

London has the highest percentage of self-employed workers, with 18% of the working population being self-employed. On the other hand in the North East, just over 1 in 10 workers (11%) are self-employed.

These statistics released by the ONS show that self-employment is becoming increasingly popular mainly due to the unpredictable economy in the UK.

By joining Consort, you can enjoy the benefits of self-employment without having to worry about the hassle of running and maintaining your own limited company. Become a self-employed contractor and decided where and when you want to work. Click here to register with us.

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