HMRC off-payroll working rules
The HMRC off-payroll working rules apply where a worker provides services through an intermediary, such as their own personal services company. The rules are designed to make sure that workers, who would be employees if they were providing their services directly to the client, pay the same tax and National Insurance as those employed directly […]
Pimlico Plumbers: worker wins supreme court judgement
Gig economy and employment status On the judgment date of 13th June 2018, Gary Smith was victorious, as his battle to be identified as a worker was further supported in a ruling at the Supreme Court. This employment status case is well renowned. It emphasised the fact that labelling a worker as ‘self-employed’ does not mean […]
Employee, Self Employed or Worker – What’s the Difference?
Employment status within the gig economy has been a hot topic over the past few years. As most of our readers will be aware, at one end of the spectrum we have employees (with full employment rights); at the other, we have the genuinely self-employed (with no employment rights), and in the middle we have […]
McDonald’s workers strike over low pay and zero hours contracts
McDonald’s employees recently staged their first UK strike, following rows over zero-hours contracts and workplace bullying claims. The strike action signals the first time McDonald’s workers have walked out since the famous American burger chain came to the UK more than forty years ago. The staff also want their pay to increase to £10 an […]
McDonald’s UK zero-hours workers could switch to fixed contracts
McDonald’s 15,000 UK zero-hour workers could change to fixed contracts with a minimum number of set hours each week. This followed staff complaints that not having guaranteed weekly employment meant they struggled to get approved for mortgages or loans. Trialing new contracts The fast food chain has been testing out the swap to fixed-hours contracts […]
Court rejects firm’s appeal for its plumbers to have self-employed status
The gig economy remains firmly under the spotlight as Pimlico Plumbers loses its fight over the classification of its workers. Gary Smith worked as a plumber for Pimlico Plumbers for six years. He won an employment tribunal that challenged the company’s opinion that he worked for them as a self-employed contractor. The company had […]
What’s the future of the gig economy?
Following the recent employment tribunals of City Sprint, Uber and Deliveroo workers, what is the future of the gig economy? For several years, the gig economy and self-employment in the UK has seen a steady rise. Self-employed people make up about 15% of the UK workforce. Between July and September 2016, an extra 213,000 people […]
Tribunal win for City Sprint courier
A courier has won her tribunal against City Sprint, which will likely have huge repercussions on the industry. The tribunal agreed that the courier should have worker status. A self-employed person does not have rights to sick pay, paid holidays and receive the national living wage. But with worker status, they could expect the same […]
