Contractors remain confident and  optimistic about the future despite the economic gloom, according to a new survey.

The survey by accountancy based service solutions provider JSA found:

• Almost half (40%) of freelance contractors expect to earn more this year than in 2008

• Less than half (44.3%) think the recent credit crunch has had any serious effect on their general financial situation

• Even among those who think they might lose their current contract, more than half (51.8%) are confident of being able to replace it

“The results of this survey show that contractors are generally an optimistic and self-confident breed,” says JSA sales and marketing director Rick Flood.

“Despite the tide of gloom that is encircling the world at the moment, freelancers tend to have a level-headed resilience and positive attitude that is a basic requirement for survival.”

However, despite this optimism, 60% of respondents think the market for their particular skills will shrink in 2009.