Research and analysis

The Hidden Economy in Great Britain

This research sought up-to-date information on the nature and scale of the hidden economy, and the characteristics and motivations of those involved.

• From: HM Revenue & Customs
• Published: 25 October 2017

Documents

The Hidden Economy in Great Britain

PDF, 1.25 MB, 59 pages

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Details

HMRC commissioned NatCen Social Research to undertake a quantitative survey to better understand the nature and scale of the hidden economy, and the characteristics of those involved. In total, 9,640 interviews were conducted over two years.

In the research, ’hidden economy’ refers to whole sources of income (which may or may not be taxable) that have not been declared to HMRC for tax purposes.

The research explored:

• key characteristics of those within the hidden economy
• key business practices of those working within the hidden economy
• the scale of the hidden economy and its distribution across key sub-groups
• the monetary value of income that is not declared
• behavioural drivers of those choosing to participate in the hidden economy
• those who might be buying from the hidden economy and what is purchased

Published 25 October 2017