Ben Willmott, Head of Public Policy for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said:

“This landmark case has highlighted the ongoing confusion around employment status and the need for greater clarification on this issue for both organisations and individuals.  

“The fact this case had to reach the Supreme Court for a final decision to be made shows the very fine distinctions that can exist in determining employment status and associated rights.  

“We’re still waiting for the Government to follow through with its pledge to legislate to improve the clarity of the employment status tests and to take action to align the employment status frameworks for the purposes of employment rights and tax. The CIPD believes an effective way to do this would be to abolish worker status altogether which would provide a clearer distinction between self-employment and employed status.  

“It is also crucial that the Government takes action to improve the enforcement of employment rights, starting with the publication of its long-awaited response to the consultation on the creation of a single enforcement body for employment rights.”  

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