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The independent workforce is the backbone of the UK economy

Today’s workplace is looking very different and those companies and services that embrace the independent workforce and make it a part of their HR strategies will be at a competitive advantage. The gig economy was on the rise even prior to COVID-19 lockdowns and massive layoffs. As businesses had no other option than to adopt remote working and work from home policies, going forward, more and more companies will rely on contingent workforce and freelancers.

Covid-19 has caused dramatic changes to the workplace and routine business practices.  Some might argue that it has changed working ways for good.  What’s more the pandemic has seen the economy taking a battering with many people finding themselves without a permanent job and looking for alternative ways to earn a living.  Many will have turned to self-employment to stay afloat in these uncertain times and some may never look back as they recognise the advantages of working for themselves.  Being master of your own destiny is appealing.

People are taking the how, what, where, when and, notably, for whom they work into their own hands. It’s happening across all sectors from the creative industries to healthcare, from law to teaching and whether you call them temps, locums, freelancers, contractors, interims or gig workers, they all have something in common.  They are all independent workers providing a service for a fee. 

Independent workers help businesses to thrive
And, with the economy in freefall, these workers are providing essential support that many companies in the private sector and many services in the public sector need.  With economic uncertainty comes a reluctance and nervousness about hiring permanent employees who are entitled to numerous statutory rights such as paid holiday, maternity, paternity or adoption leave, and of course the additional cost of employers NICs.

Independent workers offer experience, expertise and knowledge that businesses and services can benefit from on an as needs basis according to demand.  They can also hit the ground running and deliver their expert services quickly if they are managed effectively. In November 2020, The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) highlighted in its Jobs Outlook that ‘this quarter, more than half (53%) of employers who hire agency workers said that they use them to help manage uncertainty. This was notably higher than a year earlier (39%)’.

Managing a freelance and contracting workforce is key to getting the best out of your independent workers.  Managed well, independent workers will help a business or a public service to thrive.  We have seen that first-hand from the key workers who have all helped the country to get through the Covid crisis, many of whom are independent workers or agency staff.  Oftentimes, the independent workforce is invisible particularly as they sometimes move on quickly from job to job and project to project.

Today’s workplace is looking very different and those companies and services that embrace the independent workforce and make it a part of their HR strategies will be at a competitive advantage. The gig economy was on the rise even prior to COVID-19 lockdowns and massive layoffs. As businesses had no other option than to adopt remote working and work from home policies, going forward, more and more companies will rely on contingent workforce and freelancers.

It is these very workers who the country will need to help get the economy back on its feet again in the aftermath of this pandemic.  And for that, they too need a round of applause.

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