Often overlooked, freelancers actually play a pivotal role in the UK’s economy. Not only do they pick up the slack during periods of heavy workloads, but they also provide outside expertise and experience to crucial business initiatives.
The value of freelancers is being recognised today because the 23 November has been designated as National Freelancers Day. The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents the UK’s freelancers, consultants and contractors, established this day to help gain wider recognition for the contribution that freelancers, consultants and contractors make to the business environment.
Already freelancers have become hugely important as the country tries to fight its way out of recession. Carole Thorn, Human Resources Business Partner at Thales, the UK’s second largest defence electronics supplier, says: “During the current economic downturn, freelancers can sustain businesses in their operations when there is a problem with staffing until the economic situation improves.” Currently, an estimated 1.4 million are working as freelancers in the UK. They span a variety of industries ranging from journalism, IT, engineering and finance to social work and human resources.
Anne Mulliner, Head of Resources at Carillion, a leading engineering and construction company, is also supportive of freelancers. She says: “From my experience interims have always been very professional and have worked out what they needed to do in order to support the business. It has always been a very positive experience.”
