With the number of freelancers continuing to rise in the UK, 2016 was a year to remember for those working for themselves. According to a report from the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE) freelance workers contributed £119 billion to the UK economy last year, a rise of £10 billion from 2015.

Out of the 4.8 million self-employed, freelancers make up 42% and continue to grow significantly. The report also highlighted that there had been an increase of 55% in terms of female freelancers since 2008, with a 36% increase in males.

A significant indicator as to the state of the working population is evident in the stats showing a 66% increase of freelancers between the ages of 16-29 since 2008. 20% of all freelancers are over the age of 60.

What we are seeing is that people across the board, of all ages and backgrounds are taking to freelancing as a way of controlling their own working environment and output. It offers flexibility in scheduling and has allowed many people to follow their passion and work in industries and job roles that they love, rather than sticking with the tried and tested employment route that they might not necessarily enjoy.

Although the largest group of freelancers in the UK are within the artistic, media and literary professions (as you would have expected for a long period of time) there has been a large increase of numbers joining the freelance ranks within health and other sectors. It is something that all types of industry will have to get used to as time goes by.

We embrace the nature of self-employed and freelance work at Keepoint, offering assistance with a range of virtual administration support services and a place for individuals to work when required. If you’d like to find out more information about how we can help you become a productive and self-motivated freelancer please feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!