The number of self-employed persons in the employment services in the UK was 29.0 thousand in 2023. From 2024 to 2028, a steady growth pattern is forecasted, with a slight increase each year. The forecast indicates a rise from 30.0 thousand in 2024 to 33.0 thousand by 2028. Year-on-year growth rates hover around 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, stagnate from 2025 to 2026, and then increase approximately 3.2% annually from 2026 to 2028. Over five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is around 3.2%.
Future trends to watch for include the increasing adoption of digital platforms facilitating self-employment and potential regulatory changes influencing the sector. An eye should also be kept on economic conditions impacting self-employment viability in the UK.
