PM backs freelancing as sector grows by 12%

The Prime Minister has applauded the growth in the freelance community as new research reveals a 12% increase in the number of people opting to become freelancers.

Figures released by Kingston University and PCG for National Freelancers Day show that the number of freelancers in the UK now totals 1.56 million or 1 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 celebrating National Freelancers Day (23 November) 2011 and freelancers were given a ringing 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.”

The new freelance figures, which look at independent professional freelancers in the UK, are taken from an analysis of ONS and Government data. They come at a time when unemployment in the same three-year period between 2008 and 2011 has increased by almost 50% to 2.49 million and employment has declined by 400,000 (dataset analysis of April to June statistics by Kingston University) - unemployment has since risen to 2.62 million.

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.

The study was commissioned by PCG, the founders of National Freelancers Day. PCG’s Managing Director, John Brazier, welcomed the research figures, commenting:

“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.”