Most contractors will be familiar with the frustration of having to work with a difficult client.

Freelance designer Melissa Ek has advised contractors on Freelance Folder how contractors can spot difficult clients before entering into a contract with them.

Firstly, she says, watch out for clients who attempt to question or rewrite the terms of the contract or ask if they can get in touch on weekends in case of emergency.

Another red flag, according to the article, is if they talk about what a bad job the last people they hired did.

Additionally, contractors should look out for those who need a project completed as soon as possible but do not seem absolutely sure of what exactly they want yet.

However, writes Ms Ek, the most important thing is that contractors trust the gut feeling and pay more attention to those causing it.

Meanwhile, Dave Fleming, sales director at Badenoch & Clark, has said that contractors' ages are likely to see a rise in the coming months as employers compete to get the top talent working for them.