Self-employment falls for seventh consecutive month

The number of self-employed has fallen by 26,000 in the three months leading up to August, compared to the same period in 2014, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This has led to a call from freelancer and self-employed group, IPSE for the Government to get behind this vital sector of the UK economy.

IPSE Chief Executive Chris Bryce said: "Despite the improvement in the labour market more generally, we are concerned that the number of self-employed people in the UK has fallen for the seventh consecutive month compared to last year. We expect the trend is not long term and there has been a modest improvement in the number of self-employed compared to the last quarter.

"The UK's 4.5 million who work for themselves are a huge contributor to our economic growth, so it is essential for the Government to get behind this key part of our flexible labour market.

"We hope the Government reconsiders announcements made in the summer Budget, including proposed changes to travel and subsistence tax relief for freelancers which could drive thousands out of business. The Government should support the self-employed community by implementing tailored policies that help this important sector flourish and reach its full potential."