Work-for-hire is a legal term (and maybe a US-specific term?) in this context so I'm not sure. Here is the official advice: https://www.gov.uk/ownership-of-cop

Work-for-hire is a legal term (and maybe a US-specific term?) in this context so I'm not sure. Here is the official advice: https://www.gov.uk/ownership-of-copyright-works https://www.gov.uk/ownership-of-copyright-works "in settling disputes the courts have typically had to decide whether the employee was working under a ‘contract of service’ (eg as an employee) or a ‘contract for services’ (eg as a freelancer or independent contractor)." So, it seems to depend if the contractor is seen as an employee in legal terms - in that case, the contractor should expect employment rights and benefits as well.