UK freelancer earnings robust in face of Brexit and election uncertainty

Despite ongoing political turmoil surrounding the upcoming general election and Brexit, the earnings of UK freelancers and contractors have remained strong, according to the latest research from Qdos Contractor.

The survey into 1,508 UK freelancers found that 78% witnessed either no change (56%) or an upturn (22%) in their earnings so far in 2017. Just 22% experienced a downturn.

Over the course of 2016, the UK’s estimated two million freelancers and contractors generated £119bn for the economy.

Qdos Contractor CEO, Seb Maley, commented on the findings:

“That 78% of freelancers and contractors have either experienced the same or improved earnings in what has been in many ways an uncertain start to 2017, is very positive news.

“Brexit, controversial changes to IR35 in the public sector, not to mention the shock news of an imminent general election has cast a concerning cloud of uncertainty over UK business this year. However, that the majority of independent workers’ business performance remains unchanged, or in 22% of cases, better, just goes to show the importance and resilience of the UK’s flexible workforce.”