The Weekly Independent: February 27, 2017

Staying on top of your field means staying ahead of the biggest news stories. That’s why each week we bring you The Weekly Independent, a quick-hit digest of news of note from around the web.

• The New York Times discusses how President Trump may become a workplace disruptor, thanks to his nomination of Alexander Acosta to Secretary of Labor.
• States are re-thinking how independent workers obtain benefits. Washington and New York are just two states considering a new portable benefits system.
• New standards are out for what constitutes a joint employer.
• These six charts show the changing gig economy in the UK—and how the shift towards independent work isn’t always a positive thing.
• These people quit their 9-5 for a solo career, even if it meant less money. Here’s why.
• If you are thinking of going independent, now is a great time. You’ll have a better tax status as an independent under President Trump, many experts say, but that alone isn’t reason enough to go independent.
• These ten TED talks are great inspiration for freelance workers.
• Engaging a contract worker? Here are four ways to maximize output.
• A Seattle area independent worker covers her eclectic income stream, and details how others considering a creative independent career can follow suit.
• Here’s how Trump’s proposed tax policy could trigger a new wave of independent workers.
• Higher paid workers are driving the rise of self-employment in the UK, a new study from the Resolution Foundation finds.

• A UK media organization, ITV, went undercover as a Deliveroo messenger, one of several companies under scrutiny for its engagement of “independent” workers, and reported back on their findings. Hint: they believe the workers should be employees, not contractors.

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