Chancellor John Healey announced plans to support the United Kingdom’s self-employed workers ahead of his upcoming October Budget, acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector. Healey specifically highlighted the role of "White Van Man"—a colloquial term referring broadly to self-employed tradespeople and small business owners—describing them as a crucial component of the British economy.

Healey emphasized that the four million self-employed individuals have endured significant difficulties, including high costs, bureaucracy, and recent tax increases. Research cited by the Chancellor indicates that roughly one in three self-employed workers are in a vulnerable financial position. Since taking office, Healey said he has prioritized measures that aim to reduce the cost of doing business and simplify administrative burdens.

In a recent statement, Healey said, “The white van drives Britain’s economy. I want Brits who are self-employed or running their own businesses to make more profit... they’re at the forefront of my mind.” He outlined government initiatives such as a major crackdown on late payments, which reportedly affects thousands of small firms daily and costs the economy billions annually. New legislation has been introduced to ensure timely payments to small business owners, while reforms to tax filing are intended to reduce the time and effort required to comply.

Representatives of self-employed workers have called for the reversal of the recent National Insurance increase, which they say has dampened demand and hurt business confidence. They also advocate expanding the Employment Allowance, which currently permits qualifying firms to reduce their National Insurance contributions by up to £10,500 annually. Additionally, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) has requested a clearer, more stable approach to fuel duty, emphasizing the need for certainty given their reliance on vehicles for work. This comes amid calls to extend a temporary 5p fuel duty cut set to expire in early January.

Josh Toovey, a spokesperson for IPSE, stressed the uncertainty facing self-employed workers, saying, “People are having to make big decisions about their businesses with almost nothing solid to plan against. This Budget is the Government’s chance to give the self-employed some certainty for once.”

Meanwhile, Labour mayor Andy Burnham voiced support for the self-employed ahead of meetings with government officials, emphasizing the importance of backing individuals who take business risks and generate employment.

Healey concluded that ongoing consultations with businesses will inform further plans to reduce red tape and administrative requirements by at least 25 percent, reflecting a commitment to easing pressures on self-employed entrepreneurs throughout the country.