A number of high-profile cases concerning the status of self-employed individuals have hit the headlines recently. In a landmark case earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Uber drivers must be treated as 'workers' rather than self-employed. On the other hand, Deliveroo succeeded in their long-running legal fight when the Court of Appeal determined that their drivers are self-employed, and not workers.
Two different answers to the same legal question highlights the uncertainty that arises when assessing employment status. While these recent decisions may raise questions for all self-employed people, including associate dentists, there is no need for concern. The outcome of the Uber case is unlikely to have any impact on the status of associate dentists. The judges applied certain criteria to the Uber arrangements which, when applied to associates, is unlikely to deem them as 'workers'.
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