Creative Scotland publishes updated guide for freelancers

Creative Scotland has published the third edition of its Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide, offering a practical overview of the business and working rights of self-employed and freelance workers.

Updated for 2023/24, the guide is written by author and editor Heather Parry and illustrated by book artist and author Maria Stoian. 

“Freelancers know how difficult it is, increasingly, to protect their rights within the creative industries. Issues with low or late payment, disproportionate administrative burdens, increasing NI and rights grabs are endemic across our sector,” said Parry.

“Change is needed at Government levels to protect freelancers – not least on the matters of parental leave/pay and pensions as well as – but in the meantime we hope the latest iteration of this guide will help freelance workers to understand that they do have rights, and crucially, that they are not alone.”

It follows the publication of Creative Scotland's Illustrated Fair Work Guide last month, aimed at helping employers better understand how to create workplaces that prioritise fair working practices for everyone, including freelancers.

“Freelancers are a large and hugely important part of the creative and cultural sectors in Scotland. It’s more important than ever that their work is recognised and supported,” said Alastair Evans, Interim Director of Strategy and Planning at Creative Scotland.