Harry Monk:
Own-account work doesn’t always pay top dollar.
Agreed.
I am starting back with an old boss next Monday, (He rang me!!!) and all he has is one customer which he has had for years. He has it because his wife is high up within the company. It is specialised products, and while I get back the truck I got brand new 3 years ago, I have had to take a £150pw pay cut from my previous job. Yes that is right. A £150 pw pay cut. 
My previous boss “laid me off” because one of their ferry trailer customers, chopped the rate so he has had to go back on the road, thereby replacing me. Last in first out and all that crap.
Ken.