" How keen were the companies on such an arrangement" Depends on location. In germany for example there is the concept of "Scheinselbstständigkeit" meaning whe

" How keen were the companies on such an arrangement" Depends on location. In germany for example there is the concept of "Scheinselbstständigkeit" meaning when you have only 1 client, you do not count as a freelancer and then it gets expensive for the company. Companies do not like that threat and they rather pay a bit more and are safe than having extra risk. In general, if the company is desperate for workers, they are more willing to go out of their way, otherwise most do not like complications. And freelancer instead of normal workers is a complication unless they are used to it.