Region comparisons
Compare UK Self-Employment by Region
Self-employment is far from uniform across the UK. These 12 side-by-side comparisons put two regions next to each other — how many people work for themselves, the self-employment rate, and where each ranks — using official Office for National Statistics figures. The UK-wide rate is 13.4% (Jan-Mar 2026).
- London vs South EastLondon 18.6% · South East 16.8% — London leads by 1.8%864,251 vs 774,735 self-employed
- London vs ScotlandLondon 18.6% · Scotland 12.4% — London leads by 6.2%864,251 vs 329,604 self-employed
- South West vs North EastSouth West 17.3% · North East 12.7% — South West leads by 4.6%479,897 vs 151,304 self-employed
- North West vs Yorkshire and The HumberNorth West 14.0% · Yorkshire and The Humber 13.5% — North West leads by 0.5%481,702 vs 345,139 self-employed
- Scotland vs WalesScotland 12.4% · Wales 14.5% — Wales leads by 2.1%329,604 vs 210,711 self-employed
- London vs North WestLondon 18.6% · North West 14.0% — London leads by 4.6%864,251 vs 481,702 self-employed
- East of England vs South EastEast of England 15.7% · South East 16.8% — South East leads by 1.1%482,975 vs 774,735 self-employed
- West Midlands vs East MidlandsWest Midlands 14.1% · East Midlands 14.0% — West Midlands leads by 0.1%389,314 vs 329,491 self-employed
- South West vs South EastSouth West 17.3% · South East 16.8% — South West leads by 0.5%479,897 vs 774,735 self-employed
- Scotland vs North EastScotland 12.4% · North East 12.7% — North East leads by 0.3%329,604 vs 151,304 self-employed
- Wales vs Northern IrelandWales 14.5% · Northern Ireland 15.5% — Northern Ireland leads by 1.0%210,711 vs 134,126 self-employed
- London vs West MidlandsLondon 18.6% · West Midlands 14.1% — London leads by 4.5%864,251 vs 389,314 self-employed
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