Keeps it a secret from the firm and freelances (8)
I believe the answer is:
conceals
'freelances' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'keeps it a secret from the firm and' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
'from' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is found in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for conceals that I've seen before include "Hides, keeps secret" , "Hides, places out of sight" .)