Subcontractors: What EVERY business owner needs to know.

by Taylah Cooper [Approx. 2-minute read] Have you heard the term ‘sham contracting’? Hopefully you have and are therefore also aware of the other laws that might apply when engaging independent contractors (aka ‘subbies’). For everyone else, this mini-article aims to shed light on THREE of the common rights and protections that contractors hold. 1. Sham Contracting ‘Sham contracting’ is when a business tells or tries to mislead a worker to believe that they are an independent contractor, when they …

New caselaw: two steps to avoid SHAM contracting.

The future of the workplace is certainly changing thanks to the global impact of COVID-19 – with some changes easily spotted and already in your awareness. Like the tip of an iceberg, these are widely discussed in media and business groups – from flexible working, skills shortages and changes to the law. Not as obvious in preparing the future of work, and just below the waterline, is the increasing use of freelance or independent contractor (contractor) workforces. We’ve talked about …

Independent contractor

To be or not to be (an Independent Contractor)

… that is the question. (thanks to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act III, Scene I for this shameless rip-off!) Script for a beleaguered employer ‘Hi’ says a worker you’ve used on and off now for a while. ‘I’ve been thinking about becoming a contractor and working for you through my own ABN, and well, I’ve taken the plunge and got my number approved!’ they say chirpily and without pause for you to return the ‘hi’. They have, however, caught your attention and so you …