Contracting is an alternative to the traditional employment relationship. A contractor can be engaged directly as a natural person or through an entity.
Sometimes contracting is necessary, where you require specialist skills that cannot easily be obtained by recruiting an employee. Some individuals wish only to be engaged as contractors, particularly where they service multiple clients. Contracting can also prove more cost efficient than employment.
However, there are legal risks in engaging an individual as a “contractor” without having a proper understanding of the law. You may find that the individual is considered to be an employee at law, and this brings with it a range of legal obligations – and liabilities if you get it wrong.
This recorded webinar, delivered by Kieron Phelan, a lawyer with McCullough Robertson, will examine what makes an individual an employee or a contractor at law, and how courts decide and will include the use of case studies.
Kieron qualified in New Zealand in 2011, she practices in the employment relations and safety area and has a background in commercial litigation. Her recent experience includes advising and drafting on a range of employment agreements and workplace policies; advising employers on claims for unfair dismissal; providing advice for employers in relation to enterprise agreements and modern awards. Kieron has recently given a presentation on termination of employment.
Learning objectives
- Understand the primary differences between employees and contractors.
- Understand your potential risks from an employer’s perspective.
- Identify your rights as an employee or contractor.
Audience
This recorded webinar is designed for public practitioners and those operating SMEs as well as individuals who operate or wish to operate as contractors.
