Employment Status & Worker Rights Advice

Clear advice on your employment status and your rights and entitlements.
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Employment Status & Worker Rights Advice

Our employment lawyers advise individuals on employment status and alternative working arrangements, helping you understand your rights whether you are an employee, worker, consultant or agency worker.

If you are unsure about your status, it is important to understand where you stand.

We review your contract and working arrangements to assess whether you are likely to be an employee, worker or genuinely self-employed. This helps you understand what rights you should be receiving and whether your current status is correct.

Being labelled as a consultant or contractor does not always reflect the reality of the relationship.

We advise on whether consultancy arrangements are consistent with how you actually work and whether you may be entitled to additional rights. This includes reviewing both contractual terms and day-to-day working practices.

If you believe your status has been incorrectly classified, you may be able to challenge it.

We advise on claims relating to employment status, including unpaid holiday pay and other statutory entitlements. We will assess your position and guide you through the options available, including negotiation or tribunal proceedings.

Key contact

Darren-Smith
Darren Smith
Partner

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Meet our experts

Dedicated professionals ready to assist you.

Alistair McArthur PNG
Partner, Head of Employment
Darren-Smith
Partner
Hannah King PNG
Legal Director
Tom-Hyatt-PNG
Senior Solicitor
Maryam Nackvi PNG
Solicitor
mellisa v2
Solicitor

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our services and processes.

Employment status determines your legal rights at work. You may be classed as an employee, worker or self-employed, and each status carries different levels of protection.

Your status is not based solely on your contract. The reality of the working relationship is key, including factors such as control, personal service and how integrated you are within the business.

Agency workers have certain day-one rights, including access to facilities and job vacancies. After 12 weeks in the same role, they may also be entitled to equal treatment in pay and basic working conditions.

Yes. Some individuals labelled as self-employed may in practice qualify as workers or employees, giving them rights such as paid holiday and minimum wage protection.

Yes. If your status has been incorrectly classified, you may be able to bring a claim to recover unpaid entitlements or establish your correct legal position.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help you.