When it comes to misery, the UK loves to hate itself. However, it turns out there's a sure-fire way to be less miserable - become a Umbrella company contractor.
Trade industry bodies have come out of the woodwork lately demanding an end to late payment, one of the major thorns in the side of the self-employed in the UK.
When it comes to creative types in the freelancing or umbrella company contracting fields, the Government has finally given these people their due praise.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has some excellent news for freelancers and umbrella company contractors when it comes to temporary job billings.
According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales the skills shortage is still raging strong, but that shouldn't stop clever contractors.
Whether it's the quiet confidence of knowing something others don't or it's just plain straight up hubris, contractors say they're ready to tackle 2015.
The deputy prime minister has been patting himself on the back after his pet project, the Regional Growth Fund, has found to have delivered economic results.
The Confederation of British Industry has begged the Government for more help when it comes to supporting the UK's smallest businesses - including contractors.
Firms terrified of being subject to hacking attempts have been tripping over themselves to increase the number of cyber security contractors they have on staff.