The advantages and disadvantages of using Digital Freelancers - Justin Butcher

With the UK enjoying the lowest levels of unemployment in the last 40 years, research suggests that we are experiencing a massive skills shortages across digital and this has led to an uplift and change in the demand for freelancers. Justin Butcher, founder and strategy consultant at Shixian Ltd recently wrote a piece for The Candidate on the current market for digital freelancers and the pros and cons of using them. Read the full article here.

Justin Butcher, Shixian Ltd

Justin addressed that the UK is experiencing its lowest unemployment since the mid-1970’s and whilst this is favourable for the economy it, in turn, can create shortages for employers. With the basic concept of supply and demand, this also contributes to increased costs for the resource in businesses. With this many businesses are looking to contract and use freelancers as a solution.

Justin expresses that traditionally in a shortage businesses would outsource to agencies but in this climate, even agencies are experiencing resources, talent and skills issues.  This creates opportunities for freelancers with specific skillsets and specialisms.

Independent freelancers are often considered for short-term projects whilst a permanent solution is sourced. They can serve as ‘peace of mind’ and prevent panic hires.

Freelancers can also come in teams built by an in-house marketing manager or by a consultant who has a strong understanding of the current business requirements.

In this climate even agencies themselves look to freelancers, Justin addresses that this reliance could become a problem as agencies could make themselves redundant when businesses decide to cut out the agency and go straight to the freelancer themselves.

The Benefits of freelancers.

Justin summarises the following points

No exploration of the freelancer market would be balanced without acknowledging the cons and Justin honestly discusses how they are not suitable for certain environments.

Final Thoughts

With the economic climate and the patterns of consumerism, there is likely to be a continuation and uplift in freelance activity so it has never been so important to understand when a freelancer will and will not fulfil business needs. 

To read the full article click here.

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