The forecast for the number of self-employed persons in the textiles, wearing apparel, and leather products sector in the UK shows a slight decline from 22,000 in 2024 and 2025 to 21,000 in 2026, with the number remaining constant through 2028. Compared to 2023, where reliable data indicates that values stood at approximately 22,000, this shows a stable trend with minor decreases projected.
Year-on-year variation reflects a dip of about 4.5% between 2025 and 2026, with no further change foreseen in the subsequent years. Over the last five years, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) illustrates a minor contraction, indicating a gradual shift towards fewer self-employed positions in the industry.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements on traditional manufacturing, shifts in consumer preferences towards sustainability, and increasing competition from emerging markets which may influence self-employment in this sector. Additionally, policy changes and economic factors will play critical roles in shaping opportunities and challenges ahead.
