When is a worker an employee? A Hartlepool seminar will explain

Accountants and business advisers Waltons Clark Whitehill have teamed up with legal experts Tilly Bailey & Irvine.

Their joint aim is to help companies after a number of high-profile cases concerning the ‘gig economy’.

Just last week, 19 UK drivers, classed as self-employed by the American transport network giant Uber, were found to be ‘workers’ when Uber maintained that they were entirely self-employed.

At a free business breakfast, Theresa Carling, associate solicitor at Tilly Bailey & Irvine, and George Hardey, director of tax at Waltons Clark Whitehill, will discuss the legal and tax implications of classifying individuals as workers, employees or self-employed.

Mr Hardey said: “The proper classification of workers and employees is a crucially important issue for businesses in the Tees Valley, both in terms of proper employment and accounting practices, and business ethics.”

Theresa Carling said: “Employment law can be a minefield for people running small and medium sized businesses, and the penalties for making mistakes can be harsh.”

The event starts at 8.30 am on Thursday, December 1 at Waltons Clark Whitehill’s offices, in Maritime House on Hartlepool’s Marina.

Free tickets can be reserved by contacting Shirley Blackwood on (01429) 234414, or by emailing her at [email protected].