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The employment status challenge: Key considerations for employers across the globe

20 April 2022
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With labour supply a top priority for many employers, our international employment team consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

Determining employment status is a significant issue for many employers with a number of high profile cases around the world. Even if the distinction between employees and the self-employed usually follows similar criteria, national specificities are still evident. 

For decades, attempts have been made to identify practical criteria to simplify the distinction between employees and self-employed persons. So why is employment status so important? Employment status determines what employment rights are applicable to the individual. Wrongly classifying someone as a self-employed contractor when in fact they are an employee (or a worker) can leave the organisation open to substantial risk. Modern forms of employment and the increasing importance of the gig economy, as well as a global labour supply shortage, have led to a renewed focus on employment status. 

Our employment experts across the globe answer the following key questions:

Current trends and tendencies are shown in a global comparison. This will help organisations to act in a legally secure manner in an increasingly technological and decentralised environment and to be ready for further challenges.

Select a region below for an overview of employment status in your global location(s).

If you have any questions or would like advice on your global employment law strategy please get in touch.

Australia | Sydney | DWF
Insights

Australia

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in Australia consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

 
France | Paris | DWF
Insights

France

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in France consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

 
Germany | Berlin | DWF
Insights

Germany

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in Germany consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

 
Italy | Milan | DWF
Insights

Italy

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in Italy consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

 
Poland | Warsaw | DWF
Insights

Poland

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in Poland consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 
 
Spain | Madrid | DWF
Insights

Spain

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in Spain consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 

 
UK | London | DWF
Insights

UK

With labour supply a top priority for employers, our employment experts in the United Kingdom consider the importance of the distinction between different employment statuses. 
 

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