UK businesses warned Brexit could destroy the careers of freelancers

There are fears for freelancers ahead of Brexit. Photograph: Fotostudiocolor24/Getty images. - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

There are fears that Brexit could destroy the careers of freelancers as new figures reveal just 20% of UK businesses expect to use them post-Brexit.

A new survey carried out by Worksome found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK businesses plan to opt for part-time staff over full-time staff in the event of Brexit.

Furthermore, despite freelancers accounting for 15% of the UK’s working population, the survey of businesses found just 20% are expected to make use of them after the UK leaves the EU.

The analysis suggest that Brexit will consequently not only affect workforce requirements, but potentially complicate labour availablity as well.

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Morten Petersen, chief executive of Worksome, said that freelancers have a crucial role to play in businesses post-Brexit.

He said: ‘This research has really highlighted some of the challenges facing UK businesses who are clearly feeling apprehensive amidst this change and uncertainty of post-Brexit.

‘Businesses need to understand and invest in the freelance economy as this will support the ability to expand and contract as market conditions will shift.’

Petersen said that freelancers can help – not hinder – UK business.

He continued: ‘Initial upfront costs have historically deterred many businesses from even considering the freelance talent pool. But as technology evolves and the recruitment challenge is streamlined, supply and demand will ease the ability to expand and contract teams, delivering more cost effective and efficient solutions that can help cushion the Brexit blow.’