Chameleons at large: Entrepreneurs, employees and firms – the changing context of employment relationships

Abstract

AbstractCurrent labour markets are witnessing a proliferation of hybrid or quasi-employment status whereby company directors and limited liability partners are gaining access to employment rights. At the same time, legislation is creating new forms of employee shareholder status, where employees trade employment rights for shares in the company. New corporate structures are being developed to promote one-man companies, small and medium sized enterprises and hybrid company/partnerships. This paper examines some of these developments in the light of the theory of the firm and the jurisprudence of company and employment law and considers the implications for workers, employers and the self-employed.