Ryan FowlerNew research by Leapers reveals that 45% of freelancers in the UK experienced a decline in their mental health during 2024, with only 6% feeling adequately supported by the government. The findings highlight the toll of financial instability, late payments, and isolation on the self-employed workforce.
Leapers, a project dedicated to exploring and improving freelancer mental health, found that the rising cost of living contributed to widespread distress. Among respondents, 71% reported clients paying late, while 72% experienced “ghosting,” where clients ceased communication, often without paying for completed work.
Two-thirds of freelancers said they lacked access to adequate mental health resources, and nearly one-third said their move to freelancing was not by choice but due to external circumstances such as redundancy or the need for flexible work as carers, parents, or individuals with disabilities.
Matthew Knight, founder of Leapers, said: “It is estimated there are over 2 million freelancers in the UK, who deliver over £160bn to the British economy, yet they don’t have access to adequate support for their mental health – which will undoubtedly have an impact on the already stretched NHS if their mental health continues to decline.”
Knight added: “We’re calling upon anyone who works with freelancers to understand the challenges and gaps in support their workforce are facing, and ask, ‘What can we do to better support our workforce?’ We’d love to see the UK Government actively engaging with freelancers and providing better signposting and support for the unique set of challenges the self-employed face.”
The report also noted widespread feelings of isolation, with just 10% of freelancers saying they did not feel lonely or disconnected during the year.
The full report has been published on the Leapers website here also available on freelancing.support, a new platform providing resources and guides for freelancers on topics including mental health.
Shib Mathew, co-founder of freelancing.support and former founder of the UK’s largest freelancing marketplace, praised Leapers’ efforts: “The work that Leapers project has done over the years in championing good mental health and wellbeing is an asset to the freelance and self-employed community.”
