Generic Self-Employed Agreement Templates

Designed for use for a range of trades and professions, these Self-Employed Agreements carefully regulate the relationship between individual freelance contractors (sole traders) and their clients. This collection of up-to-date, solicitor drafted templates provides for the self-employed individual to contract personally and directly with a client, not via any Personal Service Company (PSC) or other intermediary company or other entity. 

The first download, Guidance Note on Employment, Self-employment, and IR35, is a detailed explanation of the distinction between employment and self-employment and the impact of IR35 rules in respect of PSCs (or other intermediary company/entity), covering the use of a PSC including when, why, and how an individual might decide to use such an intermediary. Also download Employment, Self-employment and IR35 Checklists to help navigate the complex area of self-employment/ employment/use of an intermediary company.

When a self-employed individual decides to operate through a PSC (or other intermediary company), the documents in PSC Contractors Agreements should be used instead of these Self-Employed Agreements.

Which is the Most Suitable Self-Employed Contract?

The Self-employed Contractor Agreement which is highly customisable, flexible and broadly applicable to a variety of trades, services and roles. It is best suited to professional and/or technical freelancers (including IT consultants, engineers, designers), situations requiring formal structure and IP protection and contractors who might subcontract or use support staff. 

The Self-employed Clerical & Administrative Contractor has narrower scope, fewer clauses, and simpler language; substitution is allowed subject to client consultation; has no data protection clauses or detailed IP arrangements (assuming low sensitivity of data). As its title implies it is best for clerical and administrative roles with minimal complexity or risk, and short-term engagements. 

The Self-employed Sales Contractor Agreement is designed for sales-focused roles providing for remuneration comprising a fee plus commission (including commission for post-termination sales resulting from the contractor's pre-termination activities), and conflict of interest and exclusivity protection (during term of the contract). It is best suited to sales agents, business development freelancers and field representatives.

All these templates take into account relevant legal and recent industry developments, including case law, employment law, IR35 tax rules, and VAT law, and ensure that the "self-employed" is independent and that they are free to take on other clients.

Please view the full list of Generic Self-Employed Agreements below:

• Guidance Note on Employment, Self-employment, and IR35
• Employment, Self-employment and IR35 Checklists
• Self Employed Contractor Agreement
• Self Employed Clerical & Administrative Contractor Agreement
• Self Employed Sales Contractor Agreement

Generic Self-Employed Agreement Templates is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.