What is the difference between employees and workers

It's important to check the difference between being employed and being self-employed so both sides know their legal rights and responsibilities. Last reviewed. Print Download. Print close X. Download close X.

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Linkedin Twitter Facebook. What is the difference between a worker who is an employee and one who is not? Was this article helpful? Yes No. Employment status. About this resource Status This resource is kept under review and updated in line with developments. Publisher XpertHR. When To Include Ok. Book my demo. Learn more Customers Pricing Take a free trial.

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Call us. Customer Support Login. What is the difference between a worker and an employee? Published on March 24, by Jennifer Smith. Why does the distinction matter? Employees Over many years and as the working environment has evolved and diversified, the courts have had to develop a number of checks to help with the correct classification of individuals.

Why is this important? Are there any limitations on who can be classed as an employee? The key principles are: Control — who controls the work that an individual does?

If the employer exerts a significant degree of control, then the individual is likely to be classed as an employee. Conversely, if there is a degree of flexibility, then the individual is more likely to be classed as a worker. Substitution — can someone else be sent to carry out the work or must it be carried out by the individual? If the individual can be substituted, they are more likely to be classed as a worker.