 |
Professional Indemnity Insurance
PI Insurance for contractors + public and employers' liability cover - find out more. |
PM praises economic contribution made by freelancers
Posted Nov 22, 2011
David Cameron has praised freelancers for the contribution they make the UK economy, as new figures reveal that there has been a 12% increase in freelancer numbers since 2008.
Employment down since 2008, freelancer numbers up
Figures released from a Kingston University and PCG study, to coincide with National Freelancers Day, show that there are up to 1.56 million freelancers working in the UK today - equivalent to 5% of the workforce.
This represents a 12% increase on the 1.4 million freelancers estimated to be working in 2008.
The increase in freelance activity has come at at a time when unemployment has risen significantly as a result of the credit crunch. Between 2008 and 2011, unemployment has rocketed to 2.62 million, and employment has declined by over 400,000.
According to the study, the highest proportion of freelancers work in the arts, literary and media industries (265,000), management (161,000), education (110,000), and a surprisingly low 93,000 work in IT and telecoms. Presumably many IT contractors do not fit the definition of 'freelancers' used in the analysis.
Another interesting finding is the rise in the number of 'mumpreneurs', who represent around 1 in 8 of all freelancers. There are around 210,000 mums working as freelancers, compared to 167,000 when the original study was commissioned in 2008.
Commenting on the survey findings, John Brazier, MD of PCG, said:
"The figures underline the steady growth in the sector in turbulent times, and confirm a widely held belief that more and more skilled and talented individuals are opting for freelancing as a work/lifestyle choice, or because of economic circumstances. Freelancers are offering industry and commerce a flexible talent stream when and where it is needed."
Cameron offers support to freelancers
To coincide with National Freelancers Day (on the 23rd November), the Prime Minister pledged his support to the sector:
"I have a huge respect for all those who make the brave decision to branch out on their own and take control over the way they work.
This Government recognises the valuable contribution that freelancers make to the economy and, as more and more people choose to join your ranks, you have all our support."
You can find out more about what the PCG does, and what benefits membership can offer contractors here.
Contractor Services
- Professional Indemnity Insurance - Essential cover from Hiscox
- Helix Management Ltd - Up to 90% retention. Same day payments.
- Contract Experts - ClearSky Accounting on 08000 325 326
- InTouch Contractor Accounting - personal service & clear advice
- Parasol - the UK's favourite umbrella company
- Umbrella Company - 12,000 contractors can't be wrong!
- Together we're stronger! - Join PCG, representing contractors
- Cloud 9 Group - Umbrella Solutions only £27.50 per week
- Qdos - IR35 experts - Providers of low cost contractor insurance
- K & B Accountancy Group - Fixed fee contractor accounting only £75pm
- Free IR35 & Tax Review - Call ICS on 0800 195 3750
Related Articles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
