If you’ve read our recent article on graduate self-employment, then you’ll already have seen some amazing statistics about people choosing freelancing and other forms of self-employment over more conventional jobs. With up to 66% of new graduates opting for self-employment in the UK, it’s certainly clear that we’re seeing a freelancing boom that is only going to increase over the next few years. However, now it seems that we’re not alone: the freelancing revolution is going global.

A recent report suggests that as freelancing continues to grow in both the UK and the US, we can expect to see 50% of all workers setting up as freelancers by the year 2020, across both countries. This won’t come as a surprise to anybody that has experience as a freelancer, as although it requires people to take more responsibility over their working lives, it also allows for a level of freedom and control which simply can’t be matched in any other sector.

The research was carried out by PeoplePerHour, and their founder suggests that the freelancing spike we’re seeing could be explained, at least in part, by the new technologies which are helping to make freelancers lives easier. With more tools available to them, people can minimise the risks associated with turning to freelancing, and feel supported if the job requires something that they haven’t encountered in the past.

These figures, supported by several other similar sets of research, show that freelancing is only going to keep growing over the next five years – and beyond – and we feel very comfortable labelling it ‘a revolution’, as it will dramatically alter the face of the workforce in this country and across the world. For the companies who choose to work with freelancers, it means the possibility of working with the best person for the job on a case-by-case basis, matching specific needs with people who have the precise skills required to fulfill them.

Although going into freelancing still requires a great deal of commitment, not to mention a dash of bravery, it’s no longer the case that these professionals have to go it alone. Many services have sprung up with the express purpose of helping freelancers, contractors and other self-employed individuals do what they love – and what they’re best at – without worrying about aspects such as website building, or anything which they might not have had experience with!

Often, this latter category also includes accountancy, and as contractor accountants we work with freelancers to ensure that they never have to worry about getting their accounts in order. If you are a freelancer, self-employed, or are even just thinking of joining the freelancer’s revolution in the future, please don’t hesitate to talk to us about your accountancy needs; you can get in touch online or call 0800 195 3750 and our team of professionals will be more than happy to help.