PM backs freelancing as sector grows by 12 per cent
The Prime Minister has applauded the growth in the freelance community as new research reveals a 12 per cent increase in the number of people opting to become freelancers.
Figures released by Kingston University and freelancer group, the PCG for National Freelancers Day show that the number of freelancers in the UK now totals 1.56 million or one in 20 in the UK workforce. This is up from the previous figure of 1.4 million, revealed by the University's initial study in 2008.
This comes in a week when the sector is marking National Freelancers Day November 23 2011 and freelancers were given an endorsement by the Prime Minister David Cameron who said: "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."
Flexible
Within the sector the survey reveals that the highest proportion of freelancers work in arts, literary and media occupations (265,000), followed by management (161,000), then teaching/education (110,000), with IT/Telecommunications (93,000) rounding off the top four.
PCG's Managing Director John Brazier 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."
Notably the research also flagged the rise of the 'mumpreneurs' as the 2011 figures show a 25 per cent rise in the number of working mums turning to freelancing. Around 210,000 working mums have chosen the freelance path against 167,000 in 2008. This is equivalent to one in 8 freelancers being a working mother.
The full research, including a breakdown of strong and weak sectors is under intense analysis and the final report will be released later this year.