Ahead of National Freelancers Day on 19 November, managing director and founder of Contractor Financials, Tony Harris (pictured) accused the industry of still thinking in a 1950s employment landscape.

He said it urgently needed to address the requirements of the growing number of freelancers and contractors working in the UK.

“We are looking forward to National Freelancers Day raising the profile of freelancers and the contributions they make to the UK economy. The day helps lenders to see the importance of this growing community of independent professionals and the need for specialist mortgages tailored to their contractor status.

“Some lenders and financial institutions are listening and working with us to tailor solutions to meet the needs of the growing community of freelance workers but I would appeal to even more of them to educate themselves about the nature of freelancing and contracting and recognise that there is a gap in their offering. They need to move into the 21st century and adapt accordingly.”

In the aftermath of the credit crisis mortgage applications for the self- employed decreased dramatically.

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Since then the industry, recognising the growing importance of this sector, has become more flexible towards self-employed and freelance workers.

Last month Leeds Building Society announced a partnership with Contractor Financials to develop a range of products to cater for breaks between contracts offering flexible payment options with fixed rates.