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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

UK’s self-employed celebrate National Freelancers Day

Millions of self-employed professionals across the UK will celebrate National Freelancers Day on Wednesday, a day which aims to highlight the rising number of people choosing to work independently

Millions of self-employed professionals across the UK will celebrate National Freelancers Day on Wednesday, a day which aims to highlight the rising number of people choosing to work independently.

With latest ONS figures showing the number of people going into self-employment has risen 6.6% compared to this time last year and independent professionals making up 14.7% of the UK workforce, National Freelancers Day will celebrate their bravery and enterprising spirit, as well as highlight their contribution to UK plc.

More and more people working across almost all sectors of the economy are choosing to work independently, primarily to have more control of their own working lives. A survey of over 1,000 freelancers commissioned by IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, shows that the biggest reason for going it alone is for a better work/life balance. Control over work and hours were also key factors in choosing to work independently.

Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of IPSE, said:

“National Freelancers Day is all about celebrating and embracing those brave individuals who strike out on their own.”

“The future of working is well and truly here. Record numbers of people are opting for the flexibility that freelancing provides. Not only does freelancing enhance the quality of life of the vast majority of those who work in this way, it also boosts the bottom line of UK plc to the tune of more than £95billion every year.”

National Freelancers Day has been endorsed by high-profile politicians across political parties, including Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna MP:

“In recent years we’ve seen more and more people starting out on their own and setting up independently. For many, this can be the best route for people to realise their aspirations and dreams. But there are still many challenges facing self-employed people which must be tackled such as bureaucracy and late payment, while at the same time self-employed people have seen their income fall more in the last four years than those in employment.

 

“I am a big supporter of National Freelancers Day, which shines a spotlight on Britain’s independent professionals and the huge contribution they make to UK PLC, and I hope November 19 this year continues to raise the profile of freelancers in Britain.”

The headline event taking place right in the heart of East London’s Tech City will see Nick Boles MP, Minister of State jointly for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education, and Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Small Businesses, cross swords when they debate how the rise of self-employment will impact on policy-making for the next Government. Joining the two Members of Parliament will be Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation and LBC’s outspoken presenter, Nick Ferrari.

Chris Bryce added:

“Ahead of next year’s General Election, this is a hugely exciting time politically and we are urging politicians from all parties to really think about how they intend to give independent professionals the support they deserve. 

“Our research shows that freelancers are among the most politically engaged with a whopping 88% set to vote in May. With 4.6 million self-employed voters out there, politicians have a great opportunity to show they understand the needs of those working independently by implementing policies that make it easier to work in this way. 

“IPSE has outlined a series of bold yet realistic measures that will have a real positive impact on Britain’s independent professionals. We look forward to working with all of the major parties to unlock the potential of the UK’s self-employed army.”

For more information on National Freelancers Day, visit www.nationalfreelancersday.com