Contractor
A worker engaged by a company on a project or fixed-term basis, typically classified as self-employed rather than a permanent employee.
A contractor (sometimes called a freelancer or consultant) provides services to a company under a contract for services rather than a contract of employment. Contractors are typically responsible for their own taxes and insurance, are not entitled to employee benefits, and are free to work with multiple clients simultaneously.
For companies, engaging contractors offers flexibility: they can scale their workforce up or down based on project demand without the ongoing cost and commitment of a full-time hire. This makes contracting especially common in technology, design, marketing, and other skills-based disciplines.
The line between contractor and employee is legally significant and increasingly scrutinised. Misclassifying an employee as a contractor — to avoid payroll taxes and benefits obligations — is illegal in most jurisdictions. Platforms like Remote, Deel, and Oyster help companies engage international contractors compliantly.