Restrictions OK
Jurisdiction Employment Relations Authority - Auckland
Reference No [2014] NZERA Auckland 278
Hearing date 15 May 2014
Determination date 01 July 2014
Member K J Anderson
Representation M Copeland ; B Bennett
Location Rotorua
Parties Chattell v Hot Wellness Ltd t/a Go 360
Summary JURISDICTION - Whether applicant employee or independent contractor - Applicant previous owner of business - Applicant employed by respondent - Whether applicant became independent contractor - Personal trainer
Abstract AUTHORITY FOUND -;JURISDICTION: Applicant indicated change in status to independent contractor by accepting payment of holiday pay accrued as employee. Applicant's actions portrayed that applicant had become independent contractor and conduct reasonably implied agreement on independent contractor relationship completed. Monthly invoices further evidence of independent contractor relationship. Applicant's involvement with business changed on day-to-day basis so that applicant had considerable autonomy to organise day as applicant wished. Applicant received full fees paid by clients and free to solicit clients. Evidence of industry practice whereby personal trainers engaged as contractors to gyms. Applicant did not dispute had become independent contractor at time. Applicant became independent contractor notwithstanding applicant never signed or returned independent contractor agreement. Applicant independent contractor. No jurisdiction.
Result Application dismissed ; No order for costs
Main Category Jurisdiction
Statutes ERA s6
Cases Cited Bryson v Three Foot Six Ltd (No 2) [2005] ERNZ 372 ; [2005] 3 NZLR 721
Number of Pages 8
PDF File Link: 2014_NZERA_Auckland_278.pdf [pdf 215 KB]