TRICIA PHILLIPS

Freelance is the future for UK workers, according to a new study.

Already almost two out of three businesses rely on freelance workers and two in five bosses predict they’ll hire more people flexibly over the next five years rather than permanent staff. Small businesses offer the most flexible opportunities, giving work to two in five of freelancers.

Half of UK workers expect to turn freelance by 2020.

Three-quarters of workers choose to go freelance because they enjoy the flexibility it offers. Two in five like being able to work on projects they believe in, while almost a third find it more exciting.

Research from professional networking app Kalido also revealed freelancers earn three times more than the average worker at £50 per hour on average, compared to £14.60 for staff workers – a lucky few earn over £300 per hour.

Despite this, it is a challenge to find ongoing opportunities. Almost two-thirds of freelancers said uncertainty around their job pipeline is their biggest worry.

When it comes to building up recommendations, referrals from trusted sources are worth their weight in gold. Over threequarters of freelancers prefer to find work this way because it is more likely to lead to work and the employer is more likely to be reputable – and pay them on time.

Sanjay Varma, Kalido co-founder, said: “It is clear that the way work happens is changing, and the workforce is evolving as a result.

“Every day, we’re surrounded by a sea of invisible opportunities which could turn into job opportunities, or potential talent to recruit.”