PCG, the representative body for independent professionals and the self-employed, has today welcomed the news that senior Government Minister, Esther McVey, is backing self-employment as a positive choice for young people.
Employment Minister, Esther McVey told The Telegraph that setting up a business is ‘every bit as good as going to university and working for a big company’. With the number of self-employed people hitting 4.58 million according to ONS statistics, PCG says this support for the sector is hugely positive for the UK’s self-employed army.
Simon McVicker, Director of Policy and External Affairs at PCG, said:
“It’s fantastic to see such a high-profile Government Minister coming out in support of self-employment. It is especially encouraging to hear the Minister refer to self-employment as a positive option for young people.”
In The Telegraph's piece, Esther McVey added that self-employment should be given the same social status and respect as the more conventional routes into employment such as University or an apprenticeship. Simon McVicker said:
“Research commissioned by PCG shows that the number of those aged under 29 going into business on their own account has increased by 24% in recent years.
“More young people are taking the brave decision to try this way of working because they recognise the huge benefits that self-employment brings. They don’t want a 9-5 job, instead they want to use their talent, enthusiasm and drive and to be free to reap the rewards of their own success.
“Self-employment is a positive career option for everyone including young people. Ms McVey is right to promote this way of working as a positive option for all.”