There are 1.4 million freelancers in the UK and the flexibility added by this community is contributing some £21 Billion to UK GDP - the value of this resource has never been more significant.The dictionary definition is:
free-lance or free-lancer - a self-employed person working, or available to work, for a number of businesses, rather than be committed to one, and usually hired for a limited period.
free lance or free lancer - a mercenary soldier in medieval Europe.
Now, I certainly don't believe I'm a mercenary soldier, however, I am available to work for a number of businesses, under contract to them. My contracts are usually 3-monthly; in other words, I am either extended by the company, or my contract may not be renewed. I've been very lucky, in that my contract has been renewed regularly; but there is always an element of doubt. Especially in the current economic climate.
