Newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (UK), visualised by Statista, reveals a 25-year evolution in the UK’s self-employed workforce. Spanning from the first quarter of 2000 to the first quarter of 2025, the figures uncover significant shifts in how men and women engage with self-employment—and what those shifts mean for the future of work and entrepreneurship.
The Steady Rise of Female Self-Employment
In 2000, the number of self-employed women in the UK stood at just under 900,000. As of 2025, that figure has climbed to approximately 1.6 million—an increase of nearly 80%. This sustained growth reflects broader changes in women’s access to flexible working arrangements, digital platforms, and entrepreneurial support networks.
Women are increasingly launching businesses in professional services, creative industries, e-commerce, wellness, and consulting. Many are driven by a desire for autonomy, work-life balance, or the opportunity to build something meaningful on their own terms.
This growth has proven remarkably resilient. While the pandemic disrupted many sectors, the number of self-employed women experienced only a modest dip and has since rebounded—underscoring both the adaptability and determination of women-led ventures.
Male Self-Employment: A Peak and a Decline
Male self-employment has followed a different trajectory. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of self-employed men increased from approximately 2.4 million to a peak of nearly 3.5 million. However, this growth was sharply reversed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By early 2025, the figure has declined to around 2.7 million—its lowest point in over a decade.
This drop is especially pronounced in traditionally male-dominated self-employed sectors such as construction, transport, and contracting. It highlights both the economic volatility of these industries and the shifting preferences of the workforce.
The Gender Gap Persists—but Momentum Is on the Side of Women
Despite the upward trend, a gender gap in self-employment remains. There are still over one million more self-employed men than women in the UK. Yet the trajectory is clear: women are entering self-employment at a steady pace, and their participation is becoming increasingly vital to the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The post-pandemic recovery has seen a more robust return for women than for men, suggesting that the conditions women are building businesses in—digitally driven, values-led, and often lean—are more aligned with emerging market realities.
The Importance of Support, Investment, and Visibility
The growth in female self-employment also points to a growing need for infrastructure and support. Many women still face barriers in accessing finance, mentorship, and scalable networks. Initiatives like Biz Women Invest are designed to bridge this gap—helping women become investment-ready, providing financial education, and creating meaningful access to capital and opportunity.
At Biz Women®, we know that increasing representation is not enough. We need to ensure that women in business are visible, resourced, and connected.
Conclusion
The last 25 years of self-employment data tell a compelling story: women are not only participating in the economy, they are reshaping it. Through steady growth, strategic adaptation, and a growing appetite for entrepreneurship, women are establishing themselves as a driving force within the UK’s business landscape.
The next challenge is ensuring that support systems evolve in step. With the right tools, networks, and investment, the next 25 years could see women close the self-employment gapa nd redefine business leadership for generations to come.
Source:
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2025). Number of self-employed workers in the United Kingdom from 1st quarter 2000 to 1st quarter 2025, by gender (in 1,000s). Statista. Accessed: July 11, 2025. View data
