Overall, the analysis of over two million invoices sent by FreeAgent customers between January 2019 and June 2020 has revealed that just over half (54%) of invoices sent over the past 18 months in the UK were paid on time, meaning more than two in five invoices are paid late.

When looking specifically at the invoices issued by Scottish small businesses and freelancers, the number paid on time lowers to even further to 52%.   

The research reveals the late payment epidemic is getting worse not better for SMEs and freelancers, as the number of invoices paid on time has fallen 4% from the 58% recorded in the company’s 2019 research. 

The findings also show the impact of the pandemic on SMEs finances, as invoices sent by UK SMEs and freelancers plummeted by 33% over lockdown (April-June 2020).

CEO Ed Molyneux is calling for action from the UK government in the form of new legislation and significant penalties, especially in this current volatile economy, as late payments remains one of the most widespread and devastating problems for freelancers and small businesses, who are unable to absorb these into their accounts leading to cash flow problems. 

Management consultancy firm McKinsey & Company also found that 80% of SMEs say their revenues are declining due to the pandemic, with one in four concerned about defaulting on loans. Any late payments has the potential to severely disrupt business operations, in extreme cases leading to closure or furloughing of staff.