Freelancers are happy with many aspects of their life, including their health, finances, prospects and even their partner, according to a new poll.

When asked to score their happiness, on a one to five scale, freelancers scored 3.79 for general happiness as opposed to the 3.60 scored by others.

A ComRes survey sponsored by PCG shows that 73 per cent of those polled had chosen to become freelancers as a long term career.

Sixty four per cent of businesses polled said the concept of the traditional nine to five day is old fashioned, with 73 per cent of firms predicting that the amount of contracting work they commission will improve or stay the same in the coming year.

John Brazier, managing director of PCG, said: "The results confirm that more and more people see freelancing as a conscious career choice and it is encouraging to see in the poll that their worth, skill and flexibility is appreciated and seen as a necessity by businesses throughout the UK."

The survey was taken to mark National Freelancers Day today (November 23rd), which aims to focus on the work done by contractors and their contribution to the country's economy.