Ian Doel set up Hampshire-based Freelance Print Staff nine years ago.

As well as organising freelance cover for clients, he also works as a freelance printer himself, having spent more than 30 years in the trade.

Doel’s network of freelancers covers pre-press, design, printing and finishing.

“The pandemic has made people look at their business and business models,” he said.

“Companies will have to look at how they can do more without perhaps taking on a full-time person. Flexible working is likely to be bigger in the future.

“It’s about having flexible operatives, and also learning new skills."

Doel also said that the available pool of freelance workers was likely to increase because of the number of people who’ve been made redundant across the industry in recent weeks.

“People are re-evaluating things as a result, and realising what they can do in life, perhaps working for themselves,” he said.  

“The industry has changed so much, but the trade still has so much to offer. Part of this is about keeping the really good people in print – to keep the industry strong we need to keep them. I love what I do and proving that the freelance concept works is just brilliant.”

The agency works with a wide range of companies, from SMEs to large multi-site groups. Sometimes workers will be covering for holidays or illness, sometimes they will be involved in a specific project.

Doel said that placed workers were expected to hit the same performance levels as a company’s own employees. The temps are fully insured through Freelance Print Staff.

Rates depend on the role and shift pattern required, and range from £18-£26 per hour.

“We’re there to help that company, not to take someone’s job. Sometimes people do move into a full-time role as a result of a placement, and that’s fine,” Doel added.

Freelance Print Staff has also developed procedures and an on-site checklist for Covid-secure freelance working.