The Weekly Independent: April 10, 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.

• A new report from LinkedIn provides insight into recruiting independent contractors. Did you know that up to 30% of the workforce in Europe and the U.S. right now are independents?
• Washington state is considering portable benefits legislation that would create portable, prorated, universal benefits for workers in the sharing economy.
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, and reputation damage. What you need to know about misclassification and compliance.
• Freelancing women out earn men in these major cities, Forbes reports.
• Looking for work? Keep your project pipeline full by leveraging online marketplaces, networking, and giving your personal marketing a boost.
• This start-up company offers work-tourism programs all over the world, allowing independents to co-work everywhere from Buenos Aires to Bali.
• A judge temporarily blocked Seattle’s first-in-nation law that would allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize.
• Your bill rate is the foundation on which you build your independent consulting business. Fast Company explores how to justify your freelance rates.
• An increasing number of people in the U.K. are choosing self-employment. Bloomberg BNA looks at the challenges and advantages that accompany this shift.
• Correctly defining employee type is a constant challenge for many companies. Deliveroo has created a vocabulary for managers to follow in order to avoid calling their couriers employees.
• Staples is now offering coworking spaces—Workbar at Staples—in three Boston locations.

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