It has long caused unexpected upsets in otherwise amicable commercial relationships. This is not an area which stands still for long, and this law-byte raises two questions which now increasingly need to be taken into account. First, legislation more and more seeks to pass by the distinction entirely. If the law at issue relates simply to a worker, than that person can be a worker whether or not they are an employee or an independent contractor. This applies, for example, in new legislation regarding working hours.
Workers can include a wide range of individuals previously outside such protection.
Does a volunteer agency now have to keep records of the hours worked by its volunteer staff. Does an employer have to keep records of the hours worked by his staff in other employments. It seems so. Other significant examples of 'worker' legislation are that relating to the minimum wage, and also to Health and Safety at work. It is a trend which can only be expected to continue, and the effects may be far reaching.