The ONS’s (Office for National Statistics) most recent Labour Market research released in December 2015 have shown that the self-employed headcount has reached an all-time high in the UK. These recent figures show that the headcount for the self-employed rose to well above 4.6M within the months leading to October 2015.
The self employed headcount rise reflected a 71K increase, year on year as well as a 94K improvement from the previous quarter and has also attributed to another record high, for the highest number of employed in the UK.
These figures demonstrate that overall the UK economy is getting closer to full employment as rates of unemployment decrease, perhaps suggesting this could have been due to the rising self-employment rates.
Over the past 12 months, the self employed, contractors and freelancers alike have seen a steady rise in demand across a few sectors such as IT,Finance, and Oil & Gas Engineers, and is predicted to continue to grow in 2016.
If now is a good time to make the move into contracting then call our New Business team on 01253 362062 or email contractoradvice@nixonwilliams.com