Majority of freelancers getting less work post-pandemic

Freelancers in the creative and cultural industries have experienced a drop in work since the Covid pandemic, the findings of a new report indicate.

Creative UK’s Forging Freelance Futures report, based on a survey of 1,272 freelancers and 221 organisations that work with freelancers, found two-thirds (66%) of respondents have seen a reduction in work since the pandemic.

This downturn has been worsened by broader economic uncertainty, the report explains, and is further amplified by shifts in media consumption, a slowdown in commissioning and recent strikes. The rise of artificial intelligence is also citied as a reason for a reduction in work, particularly in automation-prone fields.

Elsewhere in the survey, 64% of respondents said they have experienced low or unfair pay during their freelance careers, with some adding that late payments impact their ability to meet rent costs and bills.

The report also highlights a series of structural inequalities impacting freelancers. It says a recurring theme among ethnic minority respondents was a feeling of tokenism, with some raising concerns they were engaged to meet diversity targets.

Disabled respondents shared the barriers to entry they face, including inaccessible application processes and a lack of workplace adjustments, with several noting a lack of disability training in-house.

In the report’s foreword, Creative UK chief executive Caroline Norbury said freelancers “are too frequently overlooked in the systems and structures that shape the industry”. 

“Too often, they are left without the stability, protections or recognition afforded to other workers,” Norbury added. “The assumption that independence should mean insecurity is outdated and out of step with a modern creative workforce.”

Improved support structures

The report sets out a series of reforms to enhance support structures for the creative freelance workforce.

They include exposure to freelance opportunities in the curriculum and targeted careers advice to support the next generation of freelancers.

The report explains there was broad consensus among survey respondents on the need to embed business skills into arts education to ensure young creatives leaving education are prepared to navigate the realities of freelance life. 

Increased professional development opportunities is also called for, after almost two thirds of survey respondents ranked a lack of training as having the most significant negative impact on their freelance careers.

Several recommendations are designed to bring parity with traditional employees, such as extending sick pay and parental leave entitlement to freelancers. The report adds that the issue of low pay must be addressed to improve diversity of the freelance workforce.

To tackle the “pervasive issue” of late payments in the cultural and creative industries, another recommendation focuses on the need to strengthen prompt payment practices. Elsewhere, tailored financial products and hybrid pension schemes are suggested to help the freelance workforce plan for the future.

Freelance commissioner

The report also reignites calls for a freelance commissioner within the UK government, who would represent freelancers across all sectors, advising that the remit of the existing small business commissioner is too narrow to effectively support the needs of the freelancing community.

Philippa Childs, head of trade union Bectu, said the union, alongside other industry voices, has been vocal about the need for a dedicated advocate for freelancers in government. 

“We welcome this important report on how to strengthen both freelancer protections and the creative economy, and stand ready to engage with government and industry on a plan for appointing a freelance commissioner,” Childs added.

Creative UK’s latest report follows the release of a series of best practice case studies in January, designed to respond to worsening diversity levels in the creative industries.