With self-employment becoming more and more popular, it’s no surprise to learn that having the option of having more freedom came top of the list for many contractors when deciding to join the sector.
The survey, carried out by Qdos Contractor, revealed that as many as 48% of the contractors and freelancers surveyed said that freedom and control over their assignments and being able to choose when they wanted to work was more important to them when choosing the self-employed lifestyle for the first time.
The data also found that 31% were most concerned about earning more money when becoming self-employed, 12% made their decision due to wanting a better work/life balance and just 9% said it was due to ‘other reasons’ – such as redundancy etc.
Seb Maley, CEO, Qdos Contractor, commented, “Self-employment gives people more freedom and control over their careers and lives. And that the largest proportion of freelancers and contractors state this as the main reason for striking out alone simply highlights that independence is priceless.
“From IR35 reform, to tax-free dividend allowance cuts, the UK’s self-employed workforce has faced a number of recent challenges, as the Government look to clampdown on people they believe are working this way simply to avoid paying tax.
“The Government should perhaps take note and rethink their stance on self-employment, because for many freelancers and contractors, money is not the main motivator.
“In certain professions and industries, the recession and redundancy pushed people into self-employment. But for skilled IT professionals in particular, our research suggests that independent working is by and large an active, carefully considered choice, and not necessarily something they have been forced into.”
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