It seems that companies are more inclined nowadays to hire freelancers to do projects for them. There are many reasons why this is so. One of the main reasons is that it gives them the flexibility of getting someone to work for them and get their project done for them without they having to pay for an office or for office supplies.

Another reason is because businesses lately are more inclined towards endeavors that are more project-based.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/01/14/freelance.nation/index.html