General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Employment status

Employment status decides whether someone is an employee, a worker or self-employed, which determines their employment rights and tax treatment. Tribunals look at control, personal service and mutual obligations.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

A contract's label does not decide status; the working reality does.

In Scotland

Employment status rules are the same in Scotland.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.