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If the platform controls how and when the work is done, doesn't allow subcontracting, and is in full control of the price, then that sounds like the platform is

by IanCal 10y ago

If the platform controls how and when the work is done, doesn't allow subcontracting, and is in full control of the price, then that sounds like the platform isn't a middle man but an employer. > That means pretty much any added-value marketplace is now considered employer in UK, thus the whole model becomes infeasible. No, only ones that have a large degree of control over how the work is done and over the interaction with the customer, including all pricing. Fiverr, for example, really doesn't meet these and nor would etsy. And really, the requirements on employing workers isn't much. Paid holiday (pro-rata, there are already easy ways of calculating the amount owed to irregular workers), rest breaks, minimum wage and possibly a contribution to a pension scheme. These are all requirements of small employers at the moment so it's not a huge thing.

smsm42 10y ago
> If the platform controls how and when the work is done, doesn't allow subcontracting, and is in full control of the price, then that sounds like the platform isn't a middle man but an employer. The client controls how and when the work is done. Uber can't just send a driver to drive somebody - somebody has to actually ask to be driven. Most collaboration platforms - like TaskRabbit for example - don't allow subcontracting. And for a reason - if I asked for John, 5*, proficient in electrical work and general handyman work, many positive reviews, and Anthony shows up instead, I don't want him - I don't know him and don't trust him. > is in full control of the price Many such platforms have pre-set hourly or per-task rates. Such us Fiverr. > Fiverr, for example, really doesn't meet these Fiverr is literally named after a fixed $5 rate. > And really, the requirements on employing workers isn't much. Especially if you're not the one paying them.
- IanCal 10y ago
  > Fiverr is literally named after a fixed $5 rate. Which is not forced, no? I opened fiverr and can see quite a range of different rates. Fiverr allows subcontracting, or at least it happens, and I choose the person who works for me. With uber I don't pick a specific driver, I just order a taxi. > The client controls how and when the work is done. Uber can't just send a driver to drive somebody - somebody has to actually ask to be driven. If you go down this route of logic, shop workers are self-employed because they don't have to forcibly sell items to customers, only selling the things the customer wants. It's worth reading the judgement to see just how controlling uber are in the UK with their drivers, and why they were found to be workers. > Especially if you're not the one paying them. Holiday, rest and minimum wage all come under the amount they say drivers get on average anyway (together add up to about half what they say drivers get). Payroll is a pretty simple task that even small businesses are required to do. Worker status doesn't confer that many rights, far fewer than "employee".

by IanCal 10y ago

smsm42 10y ago

> If the platform controls how and when the work is done, doesn't allow subcontracting, and is in full control of the price, then that sounds like the platform isn't a middle man but an employer. The client controls how and when the work is done. Uber can't just send a driver to drive somebody - somebody has to actually ask to be driven. Most collaboration platforms - like TaskRabbit for example - don't allow subcontracting. And for a reason - if I asked for John, 5*, proficient in electrical work and general handyman work, many positive reviews, and Anthony shows up instead, I don't want him - I don't know him and don't trust him. > is in full control of the price Many such platforms have pre-set hourly or per-task rates. Such us Fiverr. > Fiverr, for example, really doesn't meet these Fiverr is literally named after a fixed $5 rate. > And really, the requirements on employing workers isn't much. Especially if you're not the one paying them.

IanCal 10y ago
> Fiverr is literally named after a fixed $5 rate. Which is not forced, no? I opened fiverr and can see quite a range of different rates. Fiverr allows subcontracting, or at least it happens, and I choose the person who works for me. With uber I don't pick a specific driver, I just order a taxi. > The client controls how and when the work is done. Uber can't just send a driver to drive somebody - somebody has to actually ask to be driven. If you go down this route of logic, shop workers are self-employed because they don't have to forcibly sell items to customers, only selling the things the customer wants. It's worth reading the judgement to see just how controlling uber are in the UK with their drivers, and why they were found to be workers. > Especially if you're not the one paying them. Holiday, rest and minimum wage all come under the amount they say drivers get on average anyway (together add up to about half what they say drivers get). Payroll is a pretty simple task that even small businesses are required to do. Worker status doesn't confer that many rights, far fewer than "employee".