The employment law rights and protections an individual is entitled to depend on their employment status. 'Employment status' refers to the legal status of an individual at work.
There are three principal types: employee, worker and self-employed.
All three carry different rights and entitlements, and each has its advantages and disadvantages, dependent on the nature of the work being undertaken.
In the agricultural sector, there are also specific rules, including for trainees, apprentices, nighttime workers and those who use a dog as part of their role.
Each variation of worker is eligible for employment rights based on their status.
It is also important to remember that the rights of agricultural workers vary across the UK.
Specific terms and conditions will depend on regional legislation.
Employees are afforded the most legal protection, often being guaranteed a minimum number of working hours and enjoy numerous employment rights and protections (ranging from protection from unfair dismissal to rights to paid holidays, agricultural sick pay (in some cases) and other forms of leave).
Workers have fewer rights than employees but will still be entitled to the National Minimum Wage (including the Agricultural Minimum Wage in Wales), paid holidays, protection for whistleblowing and protection against discrimination, amongst other things.
Self-employed arrangements can offer greater flexibility to businesses, where roles are often performed and paid on an ad-hoc basis, but offer very little protection to the individual.
