Research shows many over-50s are going self-employed

Growing sector means more clients for your practice

Almost half of the UK's self-employed workers are over the age of 50. But is self-employment a choice or is age discrimination forcing many older people to work for themselves?

Whether out of choice or not, this is a big market for accountants to provide the vital support that small businesses need at the start of their lifetime.

A new study by Rest Less has found that the number of self-employed people aged 50 or more has increased by 18% in the last decade. It means that almost half of the self-employed workforce across the UK are now over 50 – the latest research by freelancer body IPSE suggests that 48% of self-employed workers are over 50.

With the retirement age set to rise to 67, most over-50s need to keep working for many more years; the findings of the Rest Less report suggests that the cost of living crisis and a desire for flexible working is driving many into self-employment.