Worker-Employee, what’s the difference?

Good question, you may say, since October 2016 the government has been carrying out an enquiry into whether the terms “Employee” and “Worker” are properly defined legally. Currently there are three possible categories; “employee”, “worker” and “self-employed/freelance”

“Workers” are entitled to certain employment rights, including, getting the National Minimum Wage protection against unlawful deductions from wages, the statutory minimum level of paid holiday, the statutory minimum length of rest breaks,  to not work more than 48 hours on average per week or to opt out of this right if they choose, protection against unlawful discrimination, protection for ‘Whistleblowing’  and to not be treated less favourably if they work part-time.

“Employees” have all the rights workers have plus the following; Statutory Sick Pay, statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and pay (workers only get pay, not leave) minimum notice periods if their employment will be ending, protection against unfair dismissal the right to request flexible working , time off for emergencies and Statutory Redundancy Pay.

“Freelance or casual”, have none of the above rights as they are deemed to be “self-employed” and are only covered for general statutory duty of care, for their health and safety and, in some cases, protection against discrimination. Any rights and responsibilities are set out by the terms of whatever contract they can negotiate with their client.

Evidence put before the enquiry, however, suggests that two categories would improve the situation, “employed” and “unemployed”. “Employed” would mean that all workers have the same rights as employees to make things as simple as possible for businesses since tribunal and court judgments so far have not always managed to explain the differences clearly. This often creates situations where businesses look to minimise their legal obligations by trying to structure their relationships slotting people into the least burdensome category, like in the recent Uber case; what might start out as a clear self-employment relationship, in practice can turn into something quite different once the law gets involved.

We’ll have to wait and see what comes of all this but meanwhile if you need any help or advice on this or any other legal topic, give us a call.