Contractors rap MPs in ClearSky survey
24/02/2010
40% say things will still get worse before they get better
There may still be uncertainty around the economy, but contractors and freelancers have weighty opinions on who can pull the country out of the recession, according to a recent survey. Parasol and ClearSky questioned people who work, or have worked, as freelancers and contractors about the state of the financial climate and how confident they are for the future.
Contractors are clearly unsure about the state of the economy. While 42.8 per cent feel more optimistic about the financial climate than they did 18 months, a further 42.8 per cent are less confident in it. Although attitudes surrounding the health of the economy are mixed, one sentiment shared by the majority (40 per cent) of respondents is that the country's finances will take another dip before the "green shoots" really start to blossom.
Despite a grey cloud hanging over the economy, there are varied reactions from contractors and freelancers as to whether or not politicians will be able to help the country recover. While 35.7 per cent think the Conservative party are the best bet to help the UK out of the recession, 11.4 per cent would go with Labour, and 8.5% are most confident with the Lib Dems. However, the majority (37.1 per cent) of respondents don't think any of the political parties will be able to help us out.
Negative opinions about MPs don't stop there. The overwhelming majority (65.7 per cent) of contractors think the Chancellor's decision to increase National Insurance contributions is unfair. What's more, a staggering 72.8 per cent say they would be more likely to take matters into their own hands and do their own legwork in finding the right pension and financial advice if changes to legislation meant they had to pay an Independent Financial Advisor for such information. It appears contractors and freelancers feel passionately about these issues - especially as 68.5% of respondents believe that contractors and freelancers are essential in pulling the economy out of the recession.
Rob Crossland, CE of Parasol and speaking on behalf of the Parasol Family, says: "Freelancers and contractors are vital to our economy and hold the key to helping us out of the economic downturn. The government should be doing more to support this invaluable group of workers, yet our survey clearly shows people don't have much faith in their ability to help them, or the country. As a result, many are now looking at ways to take matters into their own hands - they simply cannot afford to wait for MPs to give them a lifeline."
