Employment status in the UK: how to correctly determine the type of employment
In the United Kingdom, the type of employment relationship directly affects tax obligations, employment rights and obligations of the parties. Incorrect classification of an employee as self-employed or worker instead of employee can lead to serious legal consequences for the company and loss of rights for the employee.
The consultation includes:
- determining the legal status of the person (employee, worker, self-employed, director, contractor);
- analysing the nature of employment according to HMRC and Employment Tribunal criteria;
- explaining the impact of status on holidays, sick leave, taxes and pension contributions;
- recommendations on changing status or entering into new forms of cooperation.
Legal advice on employment contracts: what terms should be included in an employment agreement
The conclusion of an employment contract in the United Kingdom is governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the requirements of ACAS. Each form of contract — fixed-term, zero-hour, full-time or freelance — has its own specifics, and it is important to consider all the legal nuances before signing the document.
Legal advice covers:
- analysis of the proposed contract for compliance with legal requirements;
- recommendations on the inclusion of critical points: payments, schedule, duration, confidentiality, exit conditions;
- adaptation of a template contract to the client's specific situation (e.g., remote employment or international employment);
- assessment of risks and protection of the interests of both the employer and the employee.
Fixed-term vs zero-hour contracts: how to choose the best form of employment relationship
Often, companies or employees do not fully understand the difference between different types of contracts. Fixed-term provides more predictable conditions, while zero-hour provides flexibility.

However, each form has its own risks that need to be considered from a legal perspective.
During the consultation, the lawyer provides:
- a comparative overview of the main types of contracts;
- an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, taking into account the industry and type of employment;
- advice on switching from one type of contract to another;
- explanation of the implications for tax payments, employee rights and employer responsibilities.
ConclusionConsultation on types of employment and employment contracts allows you to correctly determine the legal status of an employee; avoid legal mistakes when concluding a contract; adapt the contract to individual terms of cooperation; ensure compliance with current UK legislation.