Freelancers Are Basically the UK’s Financial Superheroes
Got a business that’s burning cash like there’s a rogue budget monster lurking around? 35% of UK companies are sidestepping that beast by hiring freelancers, saving an average of a whopping £33,000 a month. That’s more than you can dream of from your savings account.
Why the Shift to Freelancers?
- Talent crunch – 49% of decision‑makers struggle to find the right people.
- Wage expectations are a blocker – 41% say salaries are just too high.
- Hunger for flexibility – 87% plan to hire freelancers up‑to‑10‑times in the next six months.
In 2025, 40% of firms will be juggling more freelancers than ever before. The blanket answer? Agile works, cash is king.
Freelancers Are Already Reaping the Cash
Over half the freelancers say AI tools have made them a lot richer:
- 46% have seen their earnings climb, thanks to AI.
- 44% are charging a premium for AI‑driven work.
- 70% use ChatGPT, with Google, Gemini, or Microsoft Co‑Pilot also in the mix.
Half of them claim AI saves them two full workdays a week. Yet 36% fear that someday those same tools could replace them. Classic freelancer paradox.
The Taxy Blues
Despite the windfalls, old policies are raining on the parade:
- 40% of business leaders complain about HMRC bureaucracy / IR35.
- 51% of freelancers feel IR35 stunts their career.
- 55% think current tax laws discourage hiring.
- Only 39% feel the government backs them up; 66% feel the current administration is dropping the ball.
All in all, we need modern policies that let the gig economy flourish.
Beyond the Numbers: Gender and Income
Those with skies full of opportunities still see a gap:
- Only 62% of female freelancers feel they’re paid fairly (vs 71% of men).
- 46% of women vs 51% of men are tackling AI projects in the past six months.
- Men are more likely to charge a premium for AI work.
The verdict is clear: get equal access to AI opportunities through better support, visibility, and upskilling for underrepresented groups.
One Word from Fiverr’s UK Leader
“Freelancers aren’t just backup options; they’re the engines making AI adoption happen,” says Michele Tropeano, UK Country Manager at Fiverr. “Portfolio careers are becoming mainstream, but we still need better policies to nurture this new way of working.”
So, if your company is still stuck in 9‑to‑5 grind mode, consider this: the freelance workforce is here, and it’s raking in the savings and the tech smiles. Jump off the treadmill and into some freelance flexibility today.
