With just 18 per cent of freelancers and contractors expecting Brexit to improve their business performance, Qdos Contractor has supported calls for a ‘softer Brexit’ to revitalise struggling freelancer confidence.
Research into 1350 UK freelancers and contractors from leading tax adviser, Qdos Contractor, highlights:
- 18 per cent of freelancers and contractors believe Brexit will have a positive impact on their business performance
- 44 per cent do not believe their business will be affected in any way by Brexit
- 38 per cent expect the UK’s decision to leave the European Union to negatively impact their business performance
- 70 per cent of freelancers asked currently do not work, or do not have any plans to work on projects in the rest of Europe
Seb Maley, Qdos Contractor CEO, comments, ‘Article 50 has been triggered, and barring any large and hugely unexpected political turnarounds, the UK is set to negotiate its leave from European Union. But given that less than one in five freelancers or contractors believe this is set to benefit their business, is of course concerning.
‘The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s exit negotiations from the EU will have no doubt played its part in affecting freelancer’s optimism. And while chaos following last week’s General Election ensues, it does raise the possibility of a ‘softer Brexit’, which could play an important role in revitalising struggling confidence surrounding our exit from the EU. Brexit negotiators should seize the opportunity as we prepare for exit talks.’
Maley adds, ‘That the majority of freelancers asked currently do not work on projects across Europe, and currently do not plan to, is insignificant when it comes to securing a deal that benefits the UK’s independent workforce.
And that 44 per cent of freelancers and contractors asked, do not expect Brexit to affect their business at all, can be considered a positive, particularly in times of uncertainty.
‘That said, we urge the Brexit negotiators to prioritise access to the single market, and with it the free movement of people and workers. Freelancers and contractors are vital to business, essential to the UK economy, and should be factored strongly in any exit plans.’
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