Do you employ workers in the gig economy?

If you employ workers on short-term contracts or doing freelance work there are now new legal requirements to carry out checks to confirm that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK. Previously, these requirements did not apply to the ‘gig economy’ and zero-hour workers.

The gig economy refers to short-term, flexible or freelance jobs where workers are paid per “gig” or task, rather than receiving a regular salary or long-term employment contract. These arrangements are often popular in the construction, food delivery, beauty salon and courier service sectors.

Businesses hiring workers in the gig economy will need to ensure they have systems in place to check the status of workers they hire. Failing to comply could result in fines of up to £60,000 per worker, business closures, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to 5 years.

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-illegal-working-and-rogue-employers-in-gig-economy

About the Author

Martin Johnson

Partner

With expertise in advising family-owned companies on a range of tax, accountancy and business issues, Martin also has an in-depth knowledge of the automotive and property sectors. In addition, he provides advice on inheritance tax planning and financial management to owner-managed businesses.  Martin leads the firm in developing its expertise in the buy-to-let sector, advising both residential and commercial property owners on relevant tax and legislation issues. A further element to Martin’s role is to build Torgersens’ relationships with banks, financial advisors and specialists in commercial and employment law to ensure that the firm’s clients have access to market-leading guidance.  

To get in touch please e-mail martin.johnson@torgersens.com.