HC Deb 26 November 1986 vol 106 c249W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Paymaster General if he will give the latest estimate of the total size of the small business sector, including that represented by the self-employed; and if he will give the latest estimate of those employed within this sector; and if he will make a statement.

Self-employed Persons—Great Britain, Spring 1985
Occupation Order All Self-employed persons Thousands
I Professional and related supporting management and administration 187
II Professional and related in education, welfare and health 160
III Literary, artistic, sports 106
IV Professional and related in science, engineering, technology and similar fields 77
V Management 846
VI Clerical and related 70
VII Selling 157
VIII Security and protective service
IX Catering, cleaning, hairdressing and other personal service 140
X Farming, fishing and related 62
XI Processing, making, repairing and related (excluding metal and electrical) 205
XII Processing, making, repairing and related (metal and electrical) 227
XIII Painting, repetitive assembling, product inspecting, packaging and related 97
XIV Construction and mining 263
XV Transport operating, materials moving and storing 108
XVI Miscellaneous 8
Inadequately described/not stated 3
All occupations 2,714

Source: Labour Force Survey