The world of work has changed immeasurably in recent years. With the rise of the so-called ‘gig economy’ and the increase in the number of companies hiring independent contractors, the legal definitions of ‘employee’ and ‘worker’ have never been more strained. The latest edition of the LELR focuses on recent developments in employment status for workers and what our employment law experts think needs to be changed to protect all workers’ rights. 

In this edition, professional support lawyer for employment rights Jo Seery looks at the legal tests for determining who is an ‘employee’ and who is classed as self-employed. As employers look to undermine employment rights by defining their workforce as ‘independent contractors’, Seery looks at the differences between the two and suggests a better definition of ‘worker’ to protect those who are being exploited under the current system. 

Employment law solicitor Gerard Airey looks at the phenomenon of the so-called ‘gig economy.’ The term has become a buzzword to describe those who not given normal employment rights by those who give them work. Airey examines the relationship between these allegedly independent contractors and their employers. 

Employment law specialist and Thompsons Solicitors chief executive Stephen Cavalier comments on recent studies on the issue of ‘worker/employee’ status and gives his own proposals on what should be done to protect workers from the unscrupulous behaviour of some employers. 

Click to download and read the Spring 2018 edition of the Labour and European Law Review.