Gig Economy

If your business relies on flexible or freelance talent, you’re part of the gig economy. It’s fast-moving and full of opportunity, but it’s also tightly regulated. As the laws on status, tax, working time, holiday, discrimination, health and safety, and data privacy are complex. From status audits to IR35 to training your HR team, we help employers get it right.

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Grey image placeholder with image icon centralised

Gig worker agreements

We draft, review and negotiate clear, compliant agreements that reduce misclassification risks while keeping the flexibility you need.

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Employment status audits

Assess each engagement to help you correctly classify employees, workers, or self-employed contractors.

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IR35 and off-payroll working

Clear advice on status determinations, preparation of SDS documents, and creation of compliant contracts for private sector engagements.

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Tribunal representation

If a status dispute ends up in a tribunal, we’ll be by your side from early advice through to final hearings. We are experienced in support of status disputes, unpaid holiday claims and discrimination, from pre‑action strategy to final hearings.

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HR training

Practical training is available on compliant engagements, IR35, right‑to‑work checks, and avoiding inadvertent employment relationships.

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Questions we’re often asked

What is the gig economy?

Project-based work via platforms or direct engagements, rather than traditional permanent employment.

How do we determine employment status?

Assess control, substitution, mutuality of obligation, integration, and economic risk against case law.

What are the penalties for misclassification?

Liability for tax, NICs, holiday pay, pension, tribunal claims and penalties.

Does IR35 apply?

When an individual provides personal service and, absent the intermediary, would be an employee.

Do gig workers get holiday pay?

It depends on their status. Workers do, but self-employed contractors don’t. Accurate status assessment is essential.

What documents should we have in place?

You’ll need tailored contracts, SDS records, right-to-work checks, and a compliant onboarding process.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan Lawrence was fantastic; he was efficient, understanding, and very clear in his communication on points of law. He actively listened and gave brilliant professional advice. The administrative team that supported and worked with him was equally helpful and efficient.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan made himself available and kept me informed of timelines and progress. I was not rushed or interrupted.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
The key thing for me was the empathy and emotional intelligence that Euan Lawrence demonstrated. He was patient, actively listened, and explained points of law to me in a simple yet not condescending manner. I was referred to him by another colleague who had gone through the same process.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Excellent real-world and experienced knowledge, very clear communication, and transparent billing.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan Lawrence is expert in the field of employment law.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I feel the approach from all the staff at Blacks has been first class. David Ward has carefully guided me through the process and often picks up the phone for a chat to offer advice on things to do and things to avoid.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
A very friendly and approachable law firm. All the way through, the whole team at Blacks has been extremely supportive, providing excellent advice and support.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
The team has a wide range of knowledge and skills. My case required senior partners to apprentice-level support. Everyone I met and had contact with was kind, professional, and personable. It felt amazing to have such an awesome team in my corner, showing support and wishing me luck with my case.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Paul Kelly is knowledgeable, action-focused, and has taken the time to learn about us and our sector. He is a great sounding board.
Legal 500
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I find the team to be really responsive and helpful, providing excellent advice and support at all times. Nothing has been too much trouble, and we have really valued their support.
Legal 500

Need an expert in

employment & HR

?

For more information or a no obligation discussion, please call or email our team today.

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