How do freelancers feel about contracting after Brexit?

How do freelancers feel about contracting after Brexit?

Only 44% of UK freelancers and contractors do not believe their business will be affected by Brexit, our survey revealed. Our research showed that over half of UK contractors surveyed were open to working in Europe after Brexit, with Netherlands the number 1 desired location. 

Salt UK & Europe’s Managing Director, Richard Norris, conducted the survey to ascertain how our contractors are feeling towards Brexit and to understand what the impact of Brexit will be on the contracting workforce. Email us to see the full report. 

The contracting and freelancing workforce has risen by 46% from 2008 to 2017, with 2 million people in the UK contracting. According to the Association of Independent Professionals and Self-Employed (IPSE), they also contributed £27bn to the UK economy in 2017. This rapid growth shows no signs of slowing down either, with more and people aspiring to start contracting.

Contracting careers

Contracting careers enable people to continually develop their skills and future proof themselves in a digitalising economy.

Plus, people are now designing their own careers or favouring ‘multi-hyphen careers’. In our Contracting survey, we noticed the shift in how we work, as over a quarter of those surveyed said flexibility and independence is the best thing about contracting, (closely followed with their earnings) with 13% saying the exposure to brands and exciting projects.

The digital skills gap is a worldwide problem, so skilled contractors are in high-demand. In LinkedIn’s recent study, Tech skills dominated the list of hard skills that companies are looking for right now, as well as skills such as Digital Marketing, UX Design and Audio Production.

“Overall, it is a positive response to our survey, with no mass move to permanent work. And despite the uncertain nature of Brexit, the UK is still in the top 5 countries for contractors. Our highest growth market is contracting across Europe and, particularly across Technology, we are seeing no signs of slowing down.”

Richard Norris
Managing Director of Salt UK & Europe

Email marketing@welovesalt.com to see the full report.

About contracting with Salt

Salt is a global digital talent business connecting digital talent globally within Creative, Marketing, Sales and Tech.

Our Contracting teams, across Technology, Creative and Marketing work with leading brands and disruptive start-ups who are looking for skilled contractors. If you’d like to find out more about Contracting opportunities, see our jobs.

Pros and cons of being a contractor illustrated by a diving board over a swimming pool as an analogy for taking the leap to freelancing!

Want to contract in 2024?

Check out these pros and cons to help you decide whether to take the leap!

Hiring freelancers or contractors?

Whether you’re looking to expand your team or improve your work life balance, hiring freelancers or contractors can help to achieve your goals. Your freelance talent hire could be a mere (virtual) handshake away!

Salt is committed to diversity and inclusion. Our expert consultants can help you build a team that delivers results now and in the future. We can help you find the right freelance talent for your needs.

You can also keep in the loop by following us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.

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