More and more freelancers are emerging in the events industry and this is a concern for some event organisers. They believe that freelancers are being used because of the current climate, to reduce permanent employee costs, and they are working less hours for more money.
Baffled event organisers cannot understand why some companies are working on this basis, and not retaining talent. They say they would much rather employ a permanent employee that is loyal to their company, clients and brand, and are of the opinion that freelancers do not have these interests at heart, but simply their own.
Freelancers consider this to be a very small-minded view, claiming that often they will take a freelance position to get their foot in the door with a company – rather than so they can work less and earn more (also pointing out that this is not always the case)! At Albany we can confirm that this is not untrue as we certainly know of candidates that have been interviewed for permanent positions only to be offered a freelance contract, which they accept purely for the opportunity to work with the company, or to gain further experience.
Freelancers don't get paid when they take holiday, over Christmas or bank holidays, or when they are unwell; neither do they get any of the company perks like discounts, parties, pensions, cycle to work schemes etc. They also pointed out that finding permanent positions with flexible hours, for example if they are returning from maternity leave or a career break, proves to be very challenging. Therefore the flexibility that freelancing offers, perhaps a 2 or 3 day working week, suits some people’s personal requirements.
Other event organisers do not share the view that freelancers’ sole reason for their positions are to work less for more money, nor do they agree that freelancers are employed simply to reduce permanent employee costs. Similarly, they do not believe freelancers to be any less loyal than permanent employees, explaining how in some cases they will employ freelancers and work with them for a number of years.
Are you a freelancer? Or do you employ freelancers? Where do you stand on this topic?
Albany Appointments is London's most established recruitment specialist to the Conference, Exhibitions and Events industry. Created over 35 years ago, our strength lies in our unrivalled knowledge of the B2B Events sector and our commitment to both Clients and Candidates throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
Recruiting across a variety of positions, in London and Internationally, we specialise in placing candidates into Conference Production, Event Management, Marketing and Sales roles, from entry-level and graduate positions to management and senior executive level.