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Self-employed numbers continue to fall

by Susie Hughes at 13:33 10/11/20 (News on Business)

Government statistics show that the number of self-employed in the UK dropped by 174,000 between April-June and July-September 2020, leaving the sector at 4.53 million, down from 5.1 million at the end of 2019.

Self-employment group, IPSE warned that this drop shows that the 'glaring gaps in support' are leading to a 'long-term, avoidable decline' in the sector. Advertisement Derek Cribb from IPSE said: “The continuing drop in the number of self-employed in the UK shows that the glaring gaps in support are leading to long-term, avoidable decline in the sector. This is deeply concerning not only for the self-employed themselves, but also for the UK’s prospects in the coming recession. “After the 2008 financial crisis, it was rising self-employed numbers that kept unemployment comparatively low – as uncertain employers looked for more flexible expertise instead of permanent employees. Now, this does not appear to be happening and the self-employed sector is in precipitous decline. Some self-employed are finding their way into full-time roles, but many others are joining the record flow into unemployment. “Government must work quickly to stem this flow by urgently getting support to the left-behind self-employed groups. Extending support would be a cost now, yes, but it would be a temporary cost during the pandemic, to hold back an even worse unemployment problem later.” Tweet -- If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'. - Susie Hughes © Shout99 2020

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