Annual Survey Report 2024

Each year, we ask a number of our customers - contractors, freelancers and business owners - to share their insights on the issues shaping flexible working. This research helps us understand their perspectives, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to what’s next. Our survey this year was one of our largest to date, and covered a broad range of topics from IR35 reform to typical day rates to the shifting political landscape.Each year, we ask a number of our customers - contractors, freelancers and business owners - to share their insights on the issues shaping flexible working. This research helps us understand their perspectives, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to what’s next. Our survey this year was one of our largest to date, and covered a broad range of topics from IR35 reform to typical day rates to the shifting political landscape.

Qdos 2024 self-employed survey key takeaways

• Despite inflation and economic uncertainty, 76.68% of respondents rated their business performance in 2024 as “consistent” or “successful,” reflecting an encouraging level of resilience.
  
  
• Nearly half of respondents earned £500–£749 per day in 2024, and 15% achieved even higher rates, showing strong demand for specialised skills despite broader economic challenges.
  
  
• IR35 reform continues to cast a long shadow over contractor-client engagements, with most professionals feeling it was “difficult” to acquire and maintain outside IR35 contracts – though almost three-quarters were able to do so.
  
  
• While the use of umbrella companies remains consistent, nearly 90% of respondents used them in 2024 out of necessity, not preference - a stark reminder of the constrained choices for many professionals operating through PSCs.
  
  
• Trusted relationships trumped digital tools and recruitment agencies, with 42% of respondents working with repeat clients and 31% landing work through referrals, highlighting the power of personal connections.
  
  
• Income insecurity remains the biggest drawback for self-employed professionals with 62.37% citing it as a primary challenge, underscoring the financial risks of independent work.
  
  
• While 41.65% of professionals feel “fairly confident” about their prospects heading into 2025, concerns like tax hikes, IR35 reforms, and securing work continue to weigh heavily.
  
  
• Nearly 68% of respondents plan to continue their self-employed journey, but growing dissatisfaction - driven by policy shifts, income instability, and economic pressures - is pushing some to consider alternative paths.