The lender said the number of contract and temporary workers had increased by 230,000 since 2005 and its range would target contractors who have been working in this way for more than a year.

The products include a 3.44% for a two-year fix rate at 75% LTV with a £999 fee. Applicants’ income will be calculated as 46 times their confirmed weekly rate.

Alex Hammond, head of marketing communications at Kensington, said: “There are nearly a quarter of a million more contract workers in the UK today than there were in 2005. Yet many of these could struggle to secure a mortgage as their income does not fit a standard model.

“However, at Kensington we have the underwriting expertise to make sensible lending decisions for people who work on a contract basis and will be charging Contractors the same rate of interest as permanent staff. This new range of products signifies our continued commitment to specialist lending and to offering our intermediary partners the very best lending experience.”

Simon Collins, product technical manager at John Charcol, said: “It’s always refreshing to see a lender who having recognised a need in the market, takes a positive stance, rather than shying away. The loan to values and rates look very competitive, plus it’s great to see that there’s no restrictions on the profession.

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“Add in the fact that it’s a manual underwrite rather than credit score reliant, and that’s the icing on the cake.”