The future looks bright for UK contractors

Contractors and freelancers are being recognised for the value they bring to companies, according to new research.

In a recent survey among customers of Brookson, which provides tax and administrative support to self employed professionals, more than 58 per cent felt they were appreciated by their client for the work they do.

This is particularly true for contractors in the oil and gas sector, 83 per cent agreed they are valued by their client.

The research, which was carried out among self employed professionals working in sectors including oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace and defence, also found nearly 50 per cent believed the sector they work in will provide good opportunities for the next five years. Again contractors in the oil and gas sector came top when it came to confidence in their sector, followed closely by aerospace and defence.

Martin Hesketh, managing director of Brookson, said: "These figures represent an encouraging outlook from both contractors and their clients. It's nice to see they're being appreciated and demonstrates a willingness among businesses to hire contractors. They also complement recent research carried out by ComRes on behalf of the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which found 73 per cent of business leaders planned to use freelancers and contractors in their organisations over the next 12 months.

"This same survey also found 60 per cent of businesses stated they would find it difficult to operate without self employed professionals.

"Both pieces of research are evidence of the promising opportunities for the UK's 1.4 million freelancers over the next 12 months.

"It's encouraging to see the value self employed professionals add to an organisation is being recognised by their clients. Even more so from prominent figures such as Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently spoke about the significant contribution self employed professionals make to the UK economy."