That’s a 20 per cent increase on 2012, according to latest figures from the Direct Selling Association, the trade body for the industry.
Currently, women make up 76 per cent of the UK’s 400,000 direct sellers.
“Parents are often faced with an impossible choice – return to work, often under difficult conditions and face astronomical childcare costs, or stay at home, resulting in no income,” Lynda Mills, director of the Direct Selling Association, says.
“Direct selling, however, is offering many women the opportunity to work around their commitments – giving them the flexibility to work as and when they choose, while still looking after their children.”
WORKING FROM HOME
Direct selling allows anyone, regardless of age, background or prior experience, to set up and run their own business, often from home.
It is a flexible option with minimal outlay that allows people to work the hours they choose with no dependency on the traditional jobs market.
The flexibility makes it particularly appealing to parents, who can look after their children while working.
Mills adds: “With women under increased pressure from the traditional jobs market and increasing childcare costs, direct selling is a practical solution that means women can run and develop their own micro business on their terms.”
EARN MONEY FROM HOME
Direct selling is the UK’s largest provider of part-time independent work.
Data from the DSA shows that revenue generated by its member companies has grown seven per cent from £1.5 billion to £1.6 billion in the last year.
The DSA is responsible for promoting the sector and regulating member companies, who sign its code of conduct, an independently administered set of guidelines that ensures direct sellers and customers can be safe in the knowledge that any member company will uphold the integrity of the industry.