Letter: Cost-cutting can create Scots jobs

Published on 20/05/2012 00:00

FREELANCERS are helping to create more local jobs, not take them away as suggested in “Website boss dismisses ‘threat’ to jobs” (Business, 13 May).

The fact is high-quality and affordable freelancers contracted through Freelancer.co.uk are doing more to support local Scottish firms than big Scottish branding and marketing agencies that charge over the odds. Many people wishing to start their own business say that if the only option was to employ an overpriced UK agency, they wouldn’t be able to afford to trade or they’d go into debt. That’s why an increasing number of small businesses and start-ups are outsourcing abroad.

This isn’t bad news for local jobs or the economy. As a result of businesses hiring through Freelancer they are growing more quickly and are reinvesting the money saved into their business and are now able to employ more local people to undertake core services.

Freelancers might be relatively cheap, but they are good quality too. Freelancer.co.uk maintains high standards because all freelancers are rated based on the quality of work, so there are no surprises for small businesses hiring them. Also no fees are paid until the business is happy with their work.

The world is changing. Being able to employ a freelancer over the other side of the globe is fast becoming the norm. Why pay £5,000, when you can pay £200 for the same work. Those Scottish businesses that are doing it now are thriving.

Matt Barrie, CEO Freelancer