
Resource Employment Law & HR Update - June 2021
23rd June 2021
Time to Call a Spade a Spade - Employment Status Exposed.
In recent times a myriad of models of working have developed, further complicating the already murky issue of whether an individual is an employee, a worker, or a self-employed independent contractor (SEIC). The "gig economy", where individuals are engaged by businesses on a flexible, ad hoc basis, has presented problems for determining employment status, both for the purposes of employment rights and tax liability. Names, labels and terminology can hinder not help. Is an individual a casual worker? Are they "on the bank"? Do they have a zero-hours contract? Are they an employee, a worker, a freelancer, a consultant, a contractor, a seasonal worker or an intern? And why does it matter anyway?
Read this three-part series for an in-depth analysis, by Victoria Notman (Legal Director Employment and HR), into the following key areas:
Part 1 - The three degrees: The hierarchy of employment rights and why the correct category counts.
Part 2 - "The irreducible minimum" : The here's how of who's who - an exploration of key case law.
Read on to learn more about the importance of calling a spade a spade... except where it's a five-pronged implement for manual digging!
Jack Mitchell, Trainee Employment and HR Solicitor, gives an insight into a couple of key COVID-19 cases and a "little light relief" for employers facing discrimination claims.
Article Info
- 23rd June 2021
- Anna Lovett
- Employment, HR
Keep Up-To-Date
Sign up to our blogs
Sign up here to be notified of the latest opinions and insights from our legal experts.
Burnetts produces a range of articles, employment law e-bulletins and factsheets. This free legal resource is useful for both organisations and individuals.