Washington, D.C. — Millions of Americans are self-employed, from freelancers and independent contractors, to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The self-employed need time away from work just as employees do to handle pressing family and health needs but all too often, cannot afford to take it—unless there’s a paid leave program to protect them. A new CAP series details who the self-employed are, what paid leave means for them, and the state of play in federal and state policy on paid leave for this population.
The series includes:
- “Why Self-Employed Workers Need Paid Leave“: This issue brief outlines why the self-employed need paid leave and how ensuring access to paid leave would expand access to entrepreneurship. Expanding access will improve the experience of individuals who are already self-employed, particularly those whose self-employment is driven by health or caregiving needs.
- “Understanding the Self-Employed in the United States“: This fact sheet explores the full picture of the self-employed population in the United States, including: who are the self-employed, the demographic diversity of the population, and key groups that make up a big portion of the self-employment class.
“Ensuring access to paid leave for all would transform the experience of self-employment and expand access to entrepreneurship. Truly universal paid leave, including for the self-employed, is the investment we need in the economy we deserve,” said Molly Weston Williamson, senior fellow and author of the series.
Read the series: “Ensuring Paid Leave for the Self-Employed” by Molly Weston Williamson
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Sarah Nadeau at [email protected].