UK has record number of self-employed workers aged 60 or over

According to an analysis by Rest Less, the number of self-employed workers aged 60 or over has reached a record level.

These numbers have increased by over a third in the past decade, totalling 991,432 self-employed people aged 60 or over in 2023.

The analysis found that while the number of self-employed workers in their 50s and older has grown since 2021, those in their 60s have set a new high.

According to the research, the total number of self-employed workers is about 4.3 million after a two-year recovery following a sharp fall during the pandemic.

Stuart Lewis, Chief Executive of Rest Less, said:

‘With the state pension age soon to be 67 and set to go higher still, many people are choosing to work beyond the point of traditional retirement.

‘For many, self-employment is an excellent option as it allows people to remain active and engaged in the community and workforce whilst also providing greater flexibility – leveraging their skills, experience and network to make an impact.

‘The decision to go self-employed can be driven by wildly different circumstances, from people living comfortably and pursuing an entrepreneurial passion to those who are forced to generate an income and have not been able to find a permanent solution in the mainstream workforce.’

Internet link: Rest Less