The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its economic survey for the second quarter of this year, which includes some interesting employment trends.
The survey of 5,600 companies found a fall in recruitment in both the manufacturing and service sector, but the pace of growth in unemployment has slowed. In the service sector, the temp market is having trouble meeting demand — particularly among the smallest companies.
Against this, confidence levels have improved (although from a very low start-point) and employees’ willingness to accept lower pay and hours has increased.
What does this mean for employment trends overall? BCC director-general David Frost suggests the nature of employment is going to become more fluid and adaptable. Employment for everyone will move further in to the realm of self-employment.
So for those that haven’t done it, what’s it like to work for yourself?
Among journalism, self-employment, or freelancing, is widely practised. Editorial teams are usually stripped to the bone and any shortfall is covered by bringing in a freelance for a day. I’ve gone freelance a couple of times and it has its ups and downs.
