Marvin OnumonuMore than two-fifths (44%) of freelancers aged over 50 use artificial intelligence (AI) tools daily, Malt’s Senior Freelancer Trends Report in partnership with IPSE found.
53% spent up to six hours a week on training, while 42% worked on projects involving strategic planning, consulting or leadership.
63% of older freelancers chose self-employment for autonomy and meaningful work, and only 21% started freelancing out of necessity.
More than half (51%) said they would keep freelancing after retirement, with 7% already doing so.
More than half of senior freelancers spent two to six hours each week upskilling, and 17% dedicated more than eight hours to learning. Many used AI for writing, research and planning.
Quentin Debavelaere, general manager at Malt UK, said: “Senior freelancing is becoming a defining feature of the UK labour market.
“People in their fifties and sixties are rethinking how they work, not just due to personal circumstances, but also because freelancing lets them stay engaged on their own terms.
“This year’s Budget adds another layer of pressure for businesses.”
Debavelaere added: “With national insurance already having had a massive impact last year and more responsibilities and constraints coming, many companies will face even less flexibility in how they operate.
“When uncertainty rises and hiring becomes harder, organisations turn to experienced freelancers to keep the light on until they have more visibility.”
Vicks Rodwell, managing director at IPSE, said: “Still, many freelancers above 50 years old face the frustration of being underestimated because of their age, despite the fact that they represent one of the most skilled and committed parts of the UK’s flexible workforce.
“This report challenges outdated assumptions head-on and shows a group of professionals who are choosing independence, embracing new technologies, investing in their skills and shaping the future of work.
“If the UK wants a labour market that supports innovation and inclusive growth, we need to recognise the value senior freelancers bring and treat them accordingly.”
Debavelaere added: “The UK cannot afford to overlook this talent pool.
“Senior freelancers combine strategic expertise, operational maturity and a strong appetite for learning – exactly what organisations need when cost savings, flexibility and clarity matter most.”
