Confesercenti reports that over the past 6 years, the commerce and tourism sectors have lost 177,000 independent businesses.

In the commerce and tourism sectors over the past six years, the number of employees has increased by 351,000 (+8.4%), but this is the result of strong growth in dependent employment and a decrease in independent work. This is according to a study by Confesercenti based on Chamber of Commerce data, which shows that during this period, 177,000 independent workers were lost, a decrease of 14.1%, while the number of employees increased by 528,000, a growth of 18%. "In 2019, one in three employees was independent; today, it is no longer even one in four," the study states. The retail sector has had the most significant negative impact, losing 135,762 people, including entrepreneurs, collaborators, and other professionals (-16.6%). The restaurant sector has also contracted, with 45,523 fewer independent workers (-11.9%). Travel agencies remained stable (-0.4%), while accommodation saw an increase: +3,766 independent workers (+7.4%), an expansion, according to the association, linked to the growth of forms of widespread hospitality, from vacation rentals to B&Bs. Confesercenti explains that the decline in independent workers affects the entire country. In absolute terms, the most significant reductions were in Lombardy (-25,098), Lazio (-22,963), Veneto (-17,792), Emilia-Romagna (-16,037), and Tuscany (-15,309). In percentage terms, the most significant declines were in the Marche region (-25%), Lazio (-20.4%), Veneto (-18%), Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Emilia-Romagna (both around -17%). "This data signals a trend that must be countered," commented Nico Gronchi, president of Confesercenti. "A widespread network of small businesses and independent workers plays an essential economic role: it supports the productive density of the territories, fosters competition and pluralism of offerings, creates jobs, and promotes local income circulation. Independent work is declining due to a combination of factors: tax and administrative pressure, energy costs, which have skyrocketed after the pandemic, commercial rents, difficulties in accessing credit, and competitive imbalances with large operators and digital platforms. This combination of constraints makes it increasingly difficult to start, maintain, or transfer a business." The association calls for "macro interventions to reduce energy costs for small businesses and to rebalance competition and ensure pluralism. However, support for private investment and incentives for generational renewal are also needed, which is currently a critical issue for many small businesses. More protection and welfare measures are also needed, which for entrepreneurs remain a matter left to their own resources. Only then can starting a business again become a sustainable prospect." Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA