We have the same problem at the NPG. As I understand it, Inland Revenue
make a (sometimes subjective) judgement on whether a) it is their main form
of amployment, b) over a certain amount of hours, and c) very vaguely,
whether they are offering a service which is also offered by a permanent
employee of your institution. It is uneven and inconsistent and would also
welcome guidance to take to my personnel dept.
Stephen Allen
Head of Education
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place
London WC2H 0HE
Direct line: 020 7312 2417
www.npg.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: List for discussion of issues in museum education in the UK.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jael Edwards
Sent: 19 October 2001 09:15
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Freelance Live Interpreters in museums
Can anyone help with a problem I am encountering with employment of
freelancer live interpreters. I currently have 4 freelance interpreters who
provide workshops on site subject to school bookings and for special events.
They invoice us on a monthly basis for the work that they have done. They
have signed a work agreement which is subject to them proving that they are
registered as self employed with Inland Revenue. This situation has recently
come under scrutiny from the local council who has told us that legally we
MUST have these people on our payroll. As I am aware that this is not the
case in some other museums I am under pressure to provide evidence and
reasoning for their status as freelancers. We are not LEA run but are a
charitable trust although we adopt local government employment laws. Can
anyone give any advice over the legal implications and the conditions that
have to be met for my live interpreters to remain freelance as they are now?
Thanks
Miss Jael Edwards
Education Officer
National Coal Mining Museum for England
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