In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ HeadSTart newsletter.
Q: I would like to try my hand at freelance work. How do I protect myself?
A: A freelance role offers flexible working arrangements that cater to individuals aiming to balance their personal and professional lives, said Ms Jean See, director of the National Trades Union Congress Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE).
However, the arrangement is not without risk, which can be mitigated through sound precautions.
“Individuals considering a freelance role or transitioning to freelancing as a career must familiarise themselves with understanding and negotiating contracts skilfully,” she added.
The labour movement suggests freelancers always have a written contract with those engaging their services to help both parties get on the same page, she said.
“The contract should detail the scope and duration of work, payment terms, termination of contract, protection clauses such as copyright and dispute resolution to safeguard their legal rights and provide clear guidelines for handling potential issues,” said Ms See.
She added that in contracting with a service buyer, freelancers can tap a template that sets out key terms of engagement between both parties, which was developed by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices.
Besides listing the terms of contract, freelancers should negotiate to ensure that the terms are fair, clear and beneficial for both parties.
“For example, the contract should specify usage rights, duration of use, copyright or exclusivity or intellectual property clauses, transfer of rights and credit terms, where applicable.”
She advises freelancers to carry out reference checks on those who seek to engage their services.
“Freelancers can verify if they are entering into a partnership with a legitimate company and if the company has a good record of paying on time,” she said.
Such checks can be done by asking fellow freelancers, finding out on the internet or viewing the service buyer’s details on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority website.
“Freelancers should carefully evaluate companies which do not agree to fair contract terms and weigh the risks against the benefits before deciding to work with them,” she added.
“We encourage freelancers to work with companies that have adopted the Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons, as the standards set out fair contracting practices.”
Freelancers should join a wider community, such as U FSE and NTUC-affiliated associations such as the National Instructors and Coaches Association, or the Visual, Audio, Creative Content Professionals Association.
“By doing so, they can access extensive networks, resources and leverage the expertise and guidance of seasoned freelancers,” she said.
These bodies can represent and support them in areas such as income security, skills mastery and work prospects through the programmes and resources provided.
Freelance and self-employed workers seeking guidance on career options and plying their trade can reach out to the U FSE centre at level 7, Launch Zone at the National Library Building.
Have a question? Send it to [email protected]