World cup - Freelancers report upsurge in interest

Freelancers across England are expecting an upsurge in work if the national team progresses beyond the group stage of the World Cup.

Phil Lowe, of people4business.com, which matches businesses with freelance specialists, says that contractors and consultants are beginning to see a significant increase in enquiries to cover for full-time workers. An article on the Amicus website highlights the issues surrounding unauthorised employee absence.

ìWhether itís the result of legitimate holiday or employees taking a ësickieí, anecdotal evidence from our registered freelancers suggests that businesses are now planning more actively to ensure they have the cover they need in the coming weeks,î says Mr Lowe.

And feedback from specialists registered with people4business.com suggests that the trend is affecting a diverse range of industry sectors.

ìOf course, freelancers too want to enjoy the football ñ but they are much more used to juggling the demands of workplace and homelifeÖand they see the World Cup as a way of building business relationships over the longer term.î