Freelance workers are refusing to be beaten by economic uncertainty and a tax system that works against them, with the majority (57.19%) saying they are confident (11.63% very/45.56% fairly) about their business prospects in 2026, according to research carried out by insurance provider Qdos.
Despite stifling taxes and unhelpful tax reforms, high inflation and years of gloomy economic headlines, the UK’s self-employed workforce continues to show grit, resilience and entrepreneurial drive.
From IT experts to designers, consultants and creatives, the majority of more than 600 freelancers who participated in Qdos’ research are backing themselves to succeed in 2026 – even without the safety net of sick pay, holiday pay or guaranteed income.
The study indicated:
- 11.63% very confident about the year ahead
- 45.56% fairly confident
- 16.48% indifferent
- 15.51% fairly concerned about their prospects in 2026
- 10.82% very concerned
Qdos says the figures paint a picture of a workforce willing to take risks and enable the flexibility of the UK labour market, which the firm says is key to economic growth.
However, against a backdrop of increased taxes – from numerous dividend tax increases to ongoing fiscal drag – Qdos is calling on the government to do more to support the UK’s 4.2m self-employed workers.
CEO, Seb Maley, said, “The optimism and resilience shown by freelancers in recent years is remarkable – but now, it’s time for the government to stop holding these workers back. This starts by backing them properly.
“There’s growing pressure on ministers to do more. By creating a fairer tax system that reflects the realities of self-employment, the government could unleash even more growth from a sector that already contributes billions to the UK economy.”
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