As a growing company, UK Rigging are always on the lookout for talented people with a good attitude to work, whether that is in a freelance or employed capacity. Each method of working provides its own set of benefits and requirements, some of which are outlined below.
Financial Responsibilities
Employed
Freelance
Contract
Permanent contract of employment
Sub-contract
Regular Income
Regular, protected, salaried
Irregular, not guaranteed
Extra Income
Access to excellent overtime rates
Unlimited earning potential
Pension
Employer contribution
Would need to set up private pension
Annual Leave
6.6 weeks included
Not covered
Expenses / Travel
Included
Depends on each job
Paperwork
Provided by employer
Your responsibility
PPE & Equipment
Provided, access to trade discounts
Not provided, access to 10% rigger discount
Invoicing
Payroll
Jobs must be invoiced
Wellbeing
Employed
Freelance
Work Life Balance
Controlled by employer, contracted to a minimum no. of hours
Complete control, but no guaranteed work
Stability
Time off for various reasons protected by law, with no ramifications
May feel pressure to work every shift available due to instability
Inability to work
A change of health or circumstance can usually be accommodated by an employer
A change of health or circumstance may mean that you may not be earning an income for periods of time
Health Support
Free Employee Assistance scheme including mental health care and cashback on health expenses.
Need to provide own health insurance etc.
Team
Regular team events provided, support of same team and managers
No team / regularly changing team
Location
Controlled by employer, limited to locations of company contracts
Complete control over location
Development
Employed
Freelance
Access to Opportunities
Structured growth and regular exposure to a high level of expertise
Opportunities depend on networking and connections made in the industry.
Progression
Moves to other departments and specialisms
Depends on industry connections
Development
Training & qualification included
Pay for own training and qualifications
Variety
Access to wide range of interesting jobs which may not be available to freelancers
Complete control over routine
How to choose
In summary, the core benefit of being freelance is that you have complete control of your working time. However, you’re in complete control of all other aspects of your working life too, including your financial responsibilities and career development. The core benefit of being an employee is having the strength and stability of an established company behind you, and a supportive team of familiar people who you work with regularly. You relinquish some of the control, but access a wide range of opportunity, expertise and support. Choosing the right career path is down to personal preference and opportunity. Find out more about careers at UK Rigging here.
