News

05 Jun 2018

Rising numbers of freelance workers

More people are swapping their ‘9 to 5’ jobs for the flexibility of freelance work, with experts indicating that the self-employed will be a critical part of the UK workforce post-Brexit.

Research from Instant Offices shows that millennials and UK workers who are facing significant lifestyle changes, such as motherhood or retirement, are looking for more flexible and empowering ways to work.

New mothers choosing to take up freelance work rather than return to full-time office employment post-baby has shot up by 79%. Comparatively, the number of men freelancing has grown by 36% in the same time frame.

Young adults born in the 80s and 90s are also driving significant growth in the freelance sector. The number of freelancers aged 26-29 has risen by 66% since 2008.

Fastest growing freelance industries:

• Healthcare (191% growth)
• Artistic, literary and media roles (103% growth)
• Sports and fitness (103% growth)

Freelancers and the economy

The IPSE reports that in 2016, freelancers contributed an impressive £119 billion to the national economy, and experts are predicting that this number will only continue to grow in the years to come.

Amid the economic uncertainty following Brexit, freelancers are positioned to play a critical role in the British workforce making it possible for businesses to hire the most skilled and suitable talent, with far less financial risk attached.

Thanks to the rise of mobile technology, video conferencing platforms, ubiquitous internet access and flexible workspaces, businesses are also free to hire people from any location around the country or beyond.

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Sources: https://www.instantoffices.com/blog/featured/rise-of-the-freelancer/