Little enterprise improvement in last decade
There has been little improvement in the rates of UK entrepreneurship and enterprise since Labour came to power ten years ago, according to a report by Sheffield University.
Although initiatives aiming to break down the barriers to enterprise and entrepreneurship have been put in place, business start up rates have fallen and self-employment rates have remained the same.
Enterprise and Public Policy: A Review of Labour Government Intervention in the United Kingdom also concluded that the removal of the Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) framework had set back the progress of enterprise policy.
Co-author Robert Huggins said:
"Since Labour came into power in 1997 there has been an increased dependence on public sector employment."This has had a huge impact on promoting entrepreneurship. Individuals weigh-up the risks and rewards associated with wage employment and business ownership. With increased levels of public sector employment available, individuals may be less inclined to take entrepreneurial risks and choose relatively secure wage employment."
