Latest figures have revealed the growing popularity of self-employment among UK workers.
According to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of self-employed workers increased by 213,000 in September 2016, when compared to the same period a year ago, and now total 15.1 per cent of all workers.
The data also shows an increase of 350,000 people in full-time jobs, compared with the same period in 2015, with 23.24 million now in full-time work.
The data also suggests that small business owners have looked to recruit new staff in 2016, more so on a part-time basis.
It shows that 8.56 million people in the UK are now working part-time, a leap of almost 110,000 from the same period last year.
National chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Mike Cherry, welcomed the growth in the employment market.
“More people in work is testament to the hard work of small business [and] the fall in unemployment is especially welcome,” he said.
“Those moving from unemployment into work are much more likely to become self-employed or work for a small business than a large business.”
Mr Cherry also highlighted on the rising popularity of self-employment. He said the figures prove that small business owners, including self-employed, require greater protection and more security.
“Small businesses need government to reaffirm its commitment to permanently increase business rate relief,” he said, adding that infrastructure development, employment rights, and pensions should be made a priority.