Q I want to hire a contractor to provide marketing support for my start-up. What should the contract include to avoid any disputes arising?
A There can be definite advantages in hiring a contractor, not least the fact that this route can provide flexibility for both parties and be cost-effective. There are, however, some risks, and it’s important to be alive to these.
A crucial issue is that, although both you and the contractor may intend for your relationship to be one of self-employment (and may well record this in the contract between you), HM Revenue & Customs and the Employment Tribunals might not see it the same way, and the reality of the relationship will outweigh the contractual terms.
An individual’s status can have