Hoffman Comments on DOL Opinion Letter

Partner Carrie Hoffman was quoted in a Business Insurance article, “Gig economy firms get guidance on employee vs. contractor status,” about a U.S. Department of Labor opinion letter outlining when a worker should be considered an independent contractor or an employee.
 
Hoffman said employers should take into consideration the six factors outlined in the letter to determine whether an employee should be considered an independent contractor. “It isn’t a free ride,” she said. “You still have to follow the six factors.”
 
Employers also must carefully evaluate the laws of the states in which they operate to be sure they are not more restrictive than federal law, Hoffman said, which “makes the landscape tough for a nationwide employer.”