A new survey has revealed that almost two-thirds of freelancers and temporary workers have considered moving to other types of work, with the majority saying that job security was their main concern.

The survey, conducted by Bullhorn, found that 63% of temporary workers had thought about moving to permanent, part-time or full-time work.

When asked why they wanted to make the switch, more than half (52%) said they were concerned about job security. A smaller percentage of temporary workers (29%) said they were motivated to switch because of pay.

It wasn’t all bad news though. 63% of temporary workers said they would describe their experiences as good or excellent, with 44% saying that flexibility was the main thing keeping them in their current work.

Andy Ingham, Senior Vice President, EMEA and APAC, Bullhorn, said, “While the gig economy appears to be growing rapidly, unresolved issues around job security and pay could threaten to derail it. Ongoing regulatory concerns like IR35 and the continued impact of the pandemic could further exacerbate the issue.

“Why risk job security and worse pay for flexibility that can be increasingly found in the ‘new normal’ of permanent work?”

Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) added: “The pandemic revealed not only the need for a dynamic and flexible workforce, but also the complexities of a more fluid labour market. 

“When Covid-19 first impacted the UK, contractors, agency workers and other ‘giggers’ were left uncertain as to if and how they could access the SEISS or furlough scheme, creating a desire for greater security.”

For more information about IR35, contracting or working through an umbrella company, speak to a member of the Umbrella.co.uk team today. Call: 0800 121 6513.