DOL Withdraws Independent Contractor Final Rule
On May 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it will officially withdraw the Independent Contractor final rule. The withdrawal was effective immediately upon its publication in the Federal Register on May 6, 2021.
Background Information
The rule was originally published in January, but its effective date was delayed as the result of a freeze the Biden administration ordered on regulatory changes adopted late into the previous administration.
The independent contractor final rule would have required employers to use an economic reality test to gauge financial dependency in an employment relationship to determine whether workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors.
Rescinding the Rule
After reviewing the rule, the DOL determined that the rule was inconsistent with the text and purpose of the Fair Labor Standards Act and that implementing the rule would have “a confusing and disruptive effect on workers and businesses alike."
Impact on Employers
The DOL withdrew this rule before its May 7 effective date. As a result, employers are not required to change any practices or policies to comply with any new requirements.
Instead, employers should review their employee classification procedures to ensure they comply with existing DOL guidance.
If you have questions related to this update, please contact your North Risk Partners advisor. Don’t have an advisor? No problem. We’ll help you find one.