Newsletter Enter your email address to register for our Newsletter. Email Address * Over 50s bucking decline in freelance numbers Tens of thousands more over 50s are now running their own businesses despite an overall decline in self-employment since 2020, according to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).IPSE's research found that the number of self-employed business owners aged 50 and over increased to 1.1 million in 2023 – 89,000 more than in 2020.In the same period the total solo self-employed population fell by 154,000.Additionally, of those aged 50 and over in self-employment, as many as one in six launched their businesses within the past three years.IPSE's Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, said:'It's clear that self-employment's offer of independence and autonomy in work are particularly attractive to experienced professionals, especially if they have lost an employed role or have become disillusioned with the nine-to-five.'Many harbour dreams of starting their own business, whether it's to pursue a lifelong dream, increase their income or find a better work-life balance.'But the over 50s, now in the prime of their careers and with decades of experience under their belt, likely have even more confidence in their ability to make a success of it.'Internet link: IPSE website
Over 50s bucking decline in freelance numbers Tens of thousands more over 50s are now running their own businesses despite an overall decline in self-employment since 2020, according to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).IPSE's research found that the number of self-employed business owners aged 50 and over increased to 1.1 million in 2023 – 89,000 more than in 2020.In the same period the total solo self-employed population fell by 154,000.Additionally, of those aged 50 and over in self-employment, as many as one in six launched their businesses within the past three years.IPSE's Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, said:'It's clear that self-employment's offer of independence and autonomy in work are particularly attractive to experienced professionals, especially if they have lost an employed role or have become disillusioned with the nine-to-five.'Many harbour dreams of starting their own business, whether it's to pursue a lifelong dream, increase their income or find a better work-life balance.'But the over 50s, now in the prime of their careers and with decades of experience under their belt, likely have even more confidence in their ability to make a success of it.'Internet link: IPSE website