York voted UK’s top spot for freelancers

York has been named the UK’s top spot for freelancers in a report by PeoplePerHour.com.

The research identified where the UK’s freelance workers and contractors are based, and found that York has the fastest-growing number of self-employed people.

Increases

The number of freelancers in the city has increased significantly since 2013, rising by 195 per cent, with more people choosing to work for themselves to improve their work-life balance.

The research also showed that there has been an increase in the number of freelancers in Hull, Durham and Northampton, though not as significantly as in York.

It also identified the areas in which freelance workers can expect the highest wages. Self-employed people in London were found to be charging up to £300 per hour, whilst contractors in Carmarthen were found to be charging an average hourly rate of £145.

Dispersal

The report also identified the areas outside of London that have the largest proportion of freelancers, with Manchester at 5.3 per cent, Bristol at 3.3 per cent and Birmingham at 3 per cent.

Commenting on the research, PeoplePerHour.com Founder Xenios Thrasyvoulou said: “As more people realise that remote working allows them to command London pay rates without the expense of living in the capital, it's likely that there will be a dispersal of talent throughout the UK, redressing the earnings balance.”