Accountants 'could become self-employed to find work'

Professionals working in accounting jobs could be tempted to become self-employed consultants due to the current state of the recruitment market.

According to data recently published by the Conservative Party, many people in white collar occupations have begun to claim jobseekers allowance.

For instance, the number of people in accounting jobs who have claimed for unemployment benefits has grown by 250 per cent.

Responding to the findings, chief executive of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton commented that a significant number of white collar professionals have opted not to jump back into the job market at the first opportunity having lost their jobs.

He forecast that many people in this situation will "drift into self-employment".

Mr Flaxton said that a number of people in this position will become self-employed consultants "because of their background, experience or knowledge of a particular sector".

Others will take advantage of a generous redundancy package to fulfill their ambitions to be their own boss, he added, saying: "It is a fascinating development."

Updated: 24 December 2009.
Categories: finance-and-accounting, market-and-industry-news.