Technology, digital marketing and design workers have been the freelancers most in demand in the past 12 months.
This is according to a study by online jobs marketplace PeoplePerHour, which analysed data from 15,000 freelancers in the timeframe. Results showed that the most in demand freelancing jobs are in technology, digital marketing, and design with an increase in projects for freelancers with strong marketing, technical skills or programming expertise.
Web developers made up 21% of the demand, followed by by content writers (13%), graphic design (11%), SEO specialists 8%, mobile app developers (3%), social media managers and (3%).
There are thought to be 2.2 million freelancers in the UK and this number continues to grow, making it a potentially lucrative option for many professionals as both a main job or as their side-hustle. With many self-employed workers making a living in the gig economy, and a growing number of companies opting for freelance resources to be more efficient and save on costs, there is a high demand for freelance skills.
Xenios, founder & CEO of PeoplePerHour, commented: “During the past 12 months, every aspect of normal life has changed, from how you do your shopping, to how you run your business.
“Small businesses and the self-employed have been some of the hardest-hit sectors, with less government support than those who are in full-time employment. But whilst some industries have thrived and seen bigger profits than ever, other sectors have been hit.”
Xenios noted that many businesses have had to adapt and move online requiring specific skills and competencies at a given point in time which makes using freelancers particularly attractive for many companies.
He added: “At the same time, many freelancing skills like photography and events management have had to upskill themselves to diversify their package.”
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I agree with this article. I think it’s interesting that freelance/independent contractors are being used more frequently. It’s less expensive and more effective to hire freelancers to complete specific projects than it is to hire a full-time employee with benefits.