Regional law firm Prettys and RIFT Legal Services will be discussing the dramatic changes and tax implications of the ‘gig economy’ at a Business Academy event, part of Prettys ongoing programme of dedicated events, seminars, publications and legal advice.

During the event, experts will examine the changes concerning self-employed contractors and the potential tax implications as the government looks to recoup more than £1.5bn per year in national insurance contributions.

Recent figures announced by the Office for National Statistics revealed that in the first quarter of 2016, 4.7m people in the UK classified themselves as self-employed and the issue of zero-hour contracts and the gig economy is now high on the agenda for employers, trade unions and the media.

Business Academy attendees will hear about the latest changes and implications around self-employed contractors as well as understanding what to expect from an HMRC challenge and the penalty regimes currently in place.

Matthew Cole, Partner at Prettys commented: “The employment legal landscape is changing rapidly as the government deals with the rise of the gig-economy and the impact that self-employed contractors can have on employers.”

Kelly Sayers, Partner at Prettys added: “HMRC has announced its commitment to tackling false self-employment and it is important that employers are fully compliant with current legislation and protected from any employment status challenges.”

Employers and HR professionals are invited to attend the free event being held on Thursday 21st September, from 8am to 10am at Wherstead Park. To book a complimentary place, email academy@prettys.co.uk.

The seminar will also be run in Essex on Thursday 7th September and Essex County Cricket Club and in London on Thursday 14th September at RBS, Bishopsgate.