Figures recently released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that of the 98,000 jobs that were created in the last three months, self-employment accounted for over half the increase, while three quarters of new jobs for employees were temporary.
In the UK, there are now more than 3.7 million people working as freelance specialists, providing a vital role for companies who supplement their full-time employees with extra skills when they need them. All this makes for a much more flexible workforce than was the case even 10 years ago.
This increase in independent working has occurred for both men and women and across all industries, but particularly in finance and insurance, construction, education, and in health and public administration in addition to industries traditionally associated with self-employment (such as business consultancy and journalism).
Excellent new opportunities now exist for seasoned contractors or those contemplating freelancing for the first time, but then how to go about marketing your skills?
Innovative online services are redefining how companies buy-in project-based support from freelancers, contractors and consultants. One approach is challenging the established business model where companies deal with agencies for external support, often paying high intermediary fees.
Sellers (freelancers) can now register their skills and hourly rate, whilst buyers search by sector, skills, track-record and price and then the two parties deal direct to agree the project scope. The intermediary earns only a small fixed margin, whilst both buyer and seller enjoy complete openness and transparency. Being attractive to both recruiters and job hunters alike, the approach is rapidly catching on.
Sectors where freelance and contractor support is most sought-after include administration, education and research, finance and accounting, human resources, IT & Internet, training and development, legal services, management consultancy, marketing and PR, and property and construction.
With freelancing growing at such a steady pace, if you’ve felt like dipping your toes in this exciting market, there’s never been a better time to try.
Duncan Taylor is a director of people4business.com. He previously held high profile roles at Reed Business Information and at Guardian Newspapers. people4business.com provides a transparent ‘end-to-end’ trading environment where businesses can search for the skilled services they need, and then agree and process contractual terms direct with the seller.
www.people4business.com
