Self-isolation, social distancing, lockdown… Let’s face it, for many of us, this basically just means slowly sinking into the sofa, staring blankly at a screen (see, you’re doing it right now) and mindlessly munching on the irrational food choices that we just panic-bought in bulk. With the outside world being so unsettling and chaotic at the moment, it makes sense that we’d rather work our way through a super-bumper-multi-mega-extra large pack of biscuits than work on creative project ideas as freelancers. Although we all deserve some time out from the pressures and anxieties of this global pandemic, this doesn’t mean we have to stagnate at the expense of our creativity.

The Freelancer Club sprung into action as soon as coronavirus hit the headlines. As a micro-business, we were able to pivot our position and provide our members with invaluable support during this crisis. We also ramped up our levels of activism and, with the help of our 40,000 members, campaigned hard to pressure Government into providing support for the self-employed. Here's a roundup of just some of the interviews, quotes and features to keep you up to date, with lots more to come.

The coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has stopped the world in its tracks. The streets are empty and there is no evidence of the once common hustle and bustle of the 9-5 workday. Despite this, most businesses (both large and small) continue to operate, albeit from the comfort of their own homes. It is an anxious time, and the depleting workforce of many businesses reflects this. Staff may be suffering with poor health, both mental and physical. What are your choices? Accept a dip in productivity? Throw in the towel? Or find solutions to keep the show on the road. You’re an entrepreneur, a problem solver - of course you’re going to find ways to make it work. 

Social distancing, self isolation and empty shelves in supermarkets. Welcome to the new norm. As freelancers adapt to the changes in their lives, Freelancer Club is doing exactly the same. When I started Freelancer Club more than 5 years ago, we had one simple mission: to support creative freelancers and we remain committed to this mission now more than ever. We've been listening to you, brainstorming ideas and working hard to adapt to the corona crisis. Below is an outline of the changes we've made to Freelancer Club membership. 

Freelancer Club is backing The Creative Industries Federation and IPSE's proposal to Government asking for support in the self-employed sector. To join over 114,000 others, click here to sign the petition and give your reason. 

It’s 2020. A highly infectious coronavirus has rapidly swept across the globe and society is in lockdown for the foreseeable future. The streets are eerily quiet, and all you can hear are the sounds of dogs barking, glass shattering and blood-curdling groans. You anxiously peer out of your bedroom window only to discover that your nightmarish suspicions were true… your next door neighbour Karen has joined the living dead and is staggering around, drenched in decaying blood, sniffing out her next victim...

IR35 has been postponed for 1 year. It's official. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, has announced that IR35 will be deferred until April 2021. This is very welcome news for freelancers who have already been directly and indirectly impacted by IR35.

What is the real impact of COVID-19 on freelancers? Listen to the founder of Freelancer Club, Matt Dowling, discussing the cultural impact #COVID2019 is having on freelancers on BBC News.