The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) has published a landmark study providing the most detailed picture to date of Northern Ireland’s self-employed workforce. Drawing on data from the 2021 NI Census, the Labour Force Survey, the Family Resources Survey and in‑depth consultations, the report uncovers a diverse and economically significant segment of the labour market that is often overlooked in policy and poorly understood in public debate.
In 2025, self-employment accounted for 113,000 people – 13% of all those in work – placing Northern Ireland among the UK regions with the highest self-employment rates. Yet the report shows that self-employment is far from one single category. Instead, it spans high‑earning professionals, skilled tradespeople, creative freelancers, personal service providers and gig workers, each with varied characteristics, motivations and economic outcomes.
Key findings
- Self-employment represents a significant share of the Northern Ireland workforce, around 113,000 people or 13% of all those in work.
- The self-employed are predominantly male and older, with almost half aged 45–64.
- Strong sectoral concentrations, with men dominating in the construction and agricultural fields and women in health, personal services, education and other service sectors.
- Self-employment is more prevalent in rural and semi-rural areas, where it sustains local labour markets and community resilience.
- Self-employed people work longer hours than employees, with almost one quarter working 49+ hours per week, compared to just 7% of employees.
- Despite longer working hours, median weekly incomes are significantly lower: £414 for men and £280 for women, compared with £571 and £470 for employees.
Taking a multi-layered approach that included consultations with self-employed individuals, the research found this demographic to have a strong sense of identity rooted in independence, craft and personal autonomy rather than entrepreneurship. Many described self-employment as a preferred but demanding way of working, offering flexibility and meaning but also exposing them to income volatility, administrative burden and limited protections.
Motivations for entering self-employment were varied. Some were driven by opportunity, others by redundancy, caring responsibilities or the need for flexibility. Few expressed traditional growth ambitions, instead prioritising sustainability, work–life balance and the ability to control their own time.
A foundation for better policy
Finding that existing policy frameworks often assume self-employed individuals are entrepreneurs, the report calls for a shift towards more targeted, sector-specific interventions, prioritising sustainability and job quality alongside growth and reflecting the diversity of the self-employed workforce.
Recommendations include:
- Structured training in financial management, taxation, and business basics.
- Clearer guidance on tax, regulation and obligations for sole traders and micro-businesses.
- More tailored business support – expanding one-to-one mentoring, peer networks, sector-specific advice.
- Improved access to pensions and early-stage financial support.
- Simplified compliance processes.
- Recognition that many self-employed individuals prioritise stable livelihoods over growth.
- Development of place-based support models, rural enterprise hubs, and shared infrastructure.
- Recognition of the role of self-employment in sustaining rural economies.
A vital but complex part of Northern Ireland’s labour market, the UUEPC study found that self-employment contributes to local economies, offers valued autonomy and flexibility and supports labour market participation across diverse groups. However, the sector also faces significant challenges, including income volatility, long hours and limited protections.
Principal Economist at the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre and lead author of the report, Dr Karen Bonner, said:
“Self-employment is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s labour market, but it is far more complex than the traditional narrative suggests. Our research shows a workforce that values independence and flexibility yet often faces significant financial and structural challenges. If we want self-employment to thrive, policy must be developed with recognition of the diversity of this sector and support people not only to start, but to sustain viable and high‑quality livelihoods.”
Read the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre’s report titled ‘Self-employment in Northern Ireland’ here: LINK.