Key Points:
Digital disruption means it may well be time for a clear statutory definition of independent contractor - or for the courts to develop a new common law definition.
The rise of the digital disrupters is changing the face of the global economy. It's also giving rise to new legal claims, particularly in the context of employment law. Traditional methods of engaging workers are unable to keep up with the flexibility being demanded by both worker and employer.
The ride-sharing phenomenon Uber is a case in point. Uber's business model is based on having a network of independent "taxi" drivers: anyone who owns or has access to a car and meets Uber's safety requirements can become an Uber driver, offering their services to consumers, wherever and whenever. It's taking on the highly regulated taxi industry by offering consumers a lower-cost independent choice.
