Political debate is raging, but the fact remains that the UK economy is in a tough position. Because business conditions have such a powerful effect on the opportunities and income available to our clients, we’re always interested in the country’s economic prospects. I thought it might be interesting to see what the rest of the year holds for contractors, freelancers and self-employed professionals in a number of key industries.

Times are tight for the NHS. It currently faces the most severe period of austerity in its history – targeted to save up to £20 billion by 2015 with an ageing population and increasingly costly treatments. These funding pressures are unlikely to fade in the next couple of years and combined with the significant organisational changes currently being implemented, contractors will face both threats and opportunities.

Increased outsourcing of some service provision is to be expected as both NHS Trusts and care homes remain under considerable pressure. Inevitably, this will mean that some freelancers notice a reduction both in rates and opportunities on offer.

Nevertheless, we are still seeing no shortage of opportunities for freelance professionals such as locums and consultants – and there are some specialist skill shortages too.

If you’re working in this sector at the moment, we’d really like to hear how you’re finding things.

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