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The statistics released by the Office of National Statistics show a rise in employment of 283,000 in the first quarter of 2014 – the fastest since records began. Self-employment rose by 4.2 per cent in that time, outstripping the 0.4 per cent growth in traditional employment over the same period.
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The trade body was recently embroiled in a row with trade union group, the TUC, who claimed that pensioners, part-time workers and 'odd-jobbers' were the fastest growing groups of Britian's new self-employed workforce. (See: Row over value and status of self-employed - A[pril 2014, Shout99).
Chris Bryce, PCG Chief Executive said: “The way we work is fundamentally changing in this country. This latest fall in unemployment is once more due to the self-employed, who now number a massive 4.55 million strong.
“We have seen a steady rise in self-employment over the past ten years as people begin to recognise the benefits of being in control of their own destiny. People want flexibility over how they structure their working life and they are beginning to recognise the importance of their own ‘personal brand’ when it comes to building a successful career. Self-employment gives people the freedom to work as they choose, and to reap the rewards of that hard work.
“It takes bravery to strike out alone, and the fact that we are returning to a healthy economic situation which gives more people the confidence to start their own business should be celebrated. These enterprising individuals are the engine of our economy.”
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2014
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