Nearly half, or 44%, of UK freelancers and contractors, do not believe their business will be affected in any way by Brexit, according to survey data from Qdos Contractor, a contractor tax advisor.

The research, which polled 1,350 UK freelancers and contractors, also showed that 18% of freelancers and contractors believe Brexit will have a positive impact on their business performance. Meanwhile, 38% expect Brexit to negatively impact their business performance. While 70% of freelancers asked currently do not work, or do not have any plans to work on projects in the rest of Europe

“The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s exit negotiations from the EU will have no doubt played its part in affecting freelancer’s optimism,” Seb Maley, Qdos Contractor CEO, said. “And while chaos following last week’s General Election ensues, it does raise the possibility of a ‘softer Brexit’, which could play an important role in revitalising struggling confidence surrounding our exit from the EU. Brexit negotiators should seize the opportunity as we prepare for exit talks.

“That the majority of freelancers asked currently do not work on projects across Europe, and currently do not plan to, is insignificant when it comes to securing a deal that benefits the UK’s independent workforce. And that 44% of freelancers and contractors asked, do not expect Brexit to affect their business at all, can be considered a positive, particularly in times of uncertainty,” Maley said. “That said, we urge the Brexit negotiators to prioritise access to the single market, and with it the free movement of people and workers. Freelancers and contractors are vital to business, essential to the UK economy, and should be factored strongly in any exit plans.”