Economy & Work

Freelancers in the UK are seeing a surge in demand post-pandemic, but face increased pressure over unstable income and lack of legal protections

Freelancers in the UK are seeing a surge in demand post-pandemic, but face increased pressure over unstable income and lack of legal protections.

By Reena Clarke, The Commons View | 1 July 2025, 08:51

Freelancers across the United Kingdom are experiencing a notable increase in demand for their services as businesses adjust to a more flexible, project-based economy. From copywriters to developers, many self-employed professionals report higher client engagement post-pandemic, with remote work having normalised non-traditional contracts.

However, this boost in visibility is tempered by structural vulnerabilities. Most UK freelancers lack access to benefits such as paid leave, sick pay or employer pensions, leaving them financially exposed in times of illness or client drought. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain has called for stronger safeguards, especially for those working in digital and creative sectors.

Lucy Ainsworth, a freelance graphic designer based in Bristol, explains the double-edged nature of her work: “I love the independence, but one missed payment can throw off my entire month. Clients don’t always realise we rely on timely invoicing to survive.”

Recent research by IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) found that over 60% of UK freelancers experience delayed payments at least once per quarter, often waiting more than 30 days to receive agreed fees. For many, this instability undermines the appeal of freelancing as a sustainable long-term career.

Efforts are underway to reform how freelancers are treated under UK labour law. Campaigners are advocating for the adoption of a ‘dependent contractor’ category, which would grant basic employment protections without sacrificing autonomy. Some EU countries already offer similar frameworks, and unions are urging the UK to follow suit.

At the same time, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have expanded their UK presence, bringing new opportunities — and competition — to the sector. While they offer access to global clients, they also encourage price undercutting and commission heavy service models that leave freelancers with shrinking margins.

As the freelance economy grows, experts stress the need for government policy to evolve accordingly. Without greater security, the very workers driving innovation and digital growth may find themselves excluded from the economic stability their labour helps build.