3 Review(s)

The number of self-employed has risen from 3.3 millionpeople (12.0% of the labour force) in 2001 to 4.8 million(15.1% of the labour force) in 2019. It is estimated thatthey contribute some GBP2.71bn annually to the economy.Self-employment takes many forms and is across all sectorsof our economy. While Labour is naturally concerned aboutissues of bogus and forced self-employment, and taxavoidance, but it is equally concerned about providingsupport and encouragement to those who are self-employed.The Off-payroll regulations which are scheduled to beapplied to the private sector are of great concern.Labour Business recognises the value and contributionthat freelancers make to our economy. We want some common-sense proposals which aren't just about squeezing out taxes but are about making self-employment sustainable and prosperous so that it benefits those engaged in the model, the clients that use it and our economy as a whole.