With the launch of this year’s National Freelancer’s Day, the Professional Contractors Group aims to highlight the hugely significant contribution made to the UK economy by contractors, freelancers and consultants.
This first-ever event will take place on Monday 23rd November, with special events taking place to highlight every key contracting sector. According to John Brazier, managing director of PCG, “We have seen a significant increase in the number of people opting to go freelance over the last ten years and today there are 1.4 million freelancers in the UK.
"PCG wanted to establish a special day for them and on National Freelancers Day we can recognise freelancing and celebrate the talents, achievements and worth of freelancers up and down the country...these events will bring together, and emphasise the importance of the UK’s freelance workforce.”
Key themes
To support its vision of 'an optimum environment in which to operate and thrive' PCG, the professional body that represents the interests of the UK’s freelance and contracting community, has launched National Freelancers Day to highlight five key themes:
...on National Freelancers Day we can recognise freelancing and celebrate the talents, achievements and worth of freelancers up and down the country
John Brazier, PCG
- The right of knowledge workers to work freelance and as contractors
- The need for freelancing to be respected as a valid career choice and recognised as an essential ingredient in the success of UK Plc.
- The need for the Government to make it easier for clients to engage freelancers
- Recognition that freelancers and contractors are in business on their own account
- Fair and equitable taxation.
Members of the PCG and the broader freelancing and contracting community are also being encouraged by PCG to help educate those around them about what it means to be a freelancer and/or contractor.
Advice for aspiring contractors and freelancers
As well as the educational role of National Freelancing Day, PCG is also aiming to encourage anyone interested in working as or hiring freelancers and contractors, by providing advice on hiring contractors, how to become a contractor and how to make a success of a contracting career.
PCG is encouraging anyone who wishes to support National Freelancers Day, or has any ideas on how to mark it, to get in touch via info@nationalfreelancersday.org.uk