Member Article

The capital's freelancing workforce has more than doubled since 2008

The number of freelancers operating in Greater London has increased by 59% since 2008 according to new research by IPSE, the self-employed and freelancer association, as tech and creative sectors have increasingly come to the fore in the last decade.

According to the figures, out of the the UK’s 2m-strong freelance workforce, 21% live in Greater London with the city adding an extra 159,000 freelancers to its ranks since 2008.

Furthermore, almost one in five of the city’s freelancers operate in the artistic, literary or media sectors reflecting the increasing centrality of the creative and media industries to London, underlined by the explosion in shared and flexible co-working spaces.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Bryce, IPSE Chief Executive Officer, said: “London is a global powerhouse in innovative, flexible and advanced work. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the capital is a hub for freelancers.

“There are a large number of supportive communities and co-working spaces in the capital which are changing the freelance game and flexible economy in London for the better.”

Citing the added freedom and flexibility of freelance working, Ben Matthews, who is Director at London creative marketing agency Montfort, said the benefits far outweigh the risks, provided workers are willing to adapt their lifestyles accordingly.

He said: “Freelancing gave me the freedom, flexibility and financial benefits that you just don’t get with a normal office job. I get to choose which clients I work with, can choose when and how I work for them, but get rewarded with a higher income because of the extra risk I’m taking on.

“You need an entrepreneurial spirit to really make a success of freelancing, but once you’re used to the lifestyle it brings substantial benefits for those who make the leap.”

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