Some UK Freelancer Facts By the Charts & Numbers

The people have spoken and the freelancer economy is in full swing of things. But just how much moving-and-shaking are the freelancers and self-employed making in the UK to the economy?
We’ve gone through reports and research to find the most impactful and thought-provoking figures, with some bonus charts to add some graphics to the mix.

Let’s take a look at some UK freelancer facts & figures

Demographics

1. According to CyberCrew, approximately 1.9 million freelancers were in the UK in 2021.
2. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that there were 4.8 million self-employed people in the UK as of May 2017, making up 15% of the workforce (ONS).
3. According to IPSE, there are 2 million freelancers in the UK, with 1.77 million working full-time as freelancers and 234,000 part-time (IPSE).
4. In 2021, 54% of UK freelancers were men, while 46% were women.
5. The average age of freelancers in the UK was 48 in 2020.
6. Between 2019 and 2022, freelancers aged 16-29 increased by 3%, while those aged 30-39 decreased by 11%.
7. London had the highest number of self-employed workers in 2022, with 757,000, followed by the South East with 644,000 (Statista).
8. In 2024, 15.72% of men and 11.56% of women in the UK were freelancing, either full-time or as secondary employment (Archimedia Accounts).
9. Greater London had the highest percentage of freelancers in 2024, with significant numbers also in the North East and North West regions.

Economic Impact

10. Freelancers contributed £139 billion to the UK economy in 2022, a slight decrease from £147 billion in 2021.
11. According to IPSE, freelancers add £21 billion in value to the UK economy.
12. The global freelance platform market was valued at $2.35 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $9.19 billion by 2027.
13. In 2023, the gig economy included around 464,436 UK workers, with growth expected by 2024.

Read also: UK Economy Gig

Earnings & Financials

14. In 2023, the average day rate for freelancers in the UK was £379 (Freelance Informer).
15. Changes to IR35 legislation led to 36% of contractors working inside IR35 in 2022, with 80% experiencing a 30% income reduction (IPSE).

Lifestyle & Work Habits

16. According to IPSE, 87% of self-employed individuals report they would never return to traditional employment.
17. In 2017, 35% of self-employed freelancers took two or more holidays outside the UK, compared to 29% of employees.
18. Nearly 9% of UK employees commute for over three hours daily, while 44% of freelancers and self-employed individuals report no commute or work from home.
19. Freelancers report getting over one-third more exercise weekly than traditional employees.
20. In 2020, 69% of freelancers reported a decrease in demand for their work due to COVID-19.
21. As of August 2024, there were around 4.23 million self-employed workers in the UK. Up from 3.2 million in December 2000.
22. In 2023, a third of freelancers took more holidays compared to full-time employees, demonstrating a higher work-life balance flexibility.

PeoplePerHour founder Xenios Thrasyvoulou said: 

We predict by 2020, 50% of the workforce will be self-employed and contributing more than £51 billion to the UK economy.

Here are some additional charts that provide a graphical look into UK freelancing and the economy.

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The information above has been provided by a number of resources, which shines a light on the world of freelancing and how it’s growing. No longer can freelancers be considered multi-level marketers or a make-believe career path. Freelancing is a tried and tested method of work and the numbers say it all – people are happier, feel less stressed, are more productive and provide more to companies.