Where are you now? Poll results

More than half the freelancers who responded to a UKTECH survey have left the UK or are waiting to go.

The results are similar to a survey conducted in March 2000 even though the climate in which freelancers operate now compared to three years ago is very different.

In March 2000 IR35 was a few weeks away from becoming a reality. But despite that, the freelancer market, particularly in IT, was more buoyant with greater availability of contracts and higher rates.

There was also a mood amongst many freelancers that if the UK Government was intent on making it too problematic to operate their businesses here, then there were plenty of other countries where their skills and knowledge would be valued.

Three years on, IR35 is an established reality and clarification of best operating practice is now helping freelancers move outside the confines of the legislation. But the uncertainty of operating as a freelance business continues to cause problems for many businessmen and women as they have to contend with a depressed market place, increasing Red Tape, lower rates, and new measures which bring added uncertainty such as outsourcing, fast track visas and Section 660 - the business tax on family and friends.

The UKTECH survey shows that three years on, the position is remarkably similar for freelancers who have left the UK - or are intending to move overseas.

Where are you now?

(Results of the 2000 survey in parenthesis)

• USA.................4 per cent (1 per cent)
  
• Holland.............3 per cent (3 per cent)
  
• Germany.............5 per cent (3 per cent)
  
• Ireland.............2 per cent (0 per cent)
  
• Switzerland.........1 per cent (1 per cent)
  
• None of these.......11 per cent (6 per cent)
  
• UK waiting to go....32 per cent (37 per cent)
  
• UK will stay........43 per cent (44 per cent)