Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance

Date of judgement: December 31, 1968

Understanding the legal foundations of employment status is essential for HR and people‑management professionals navigating modern workforce challenges. One of the most influential cases in this area is Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance [1968], a landmark decision that continues to shape how employment relationships are assessed today. This article sets out the key facts of the judgment, offering valuable context for anyone involved in workforce planning, contractor engagement, or compliance with employment obligations.

In Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance [1968] 1 All ER 433 HC, the High Court held that a contract of service existed if three conditions were fulfilled, one of these being that the provisions of the contract should not be inconsistent with its being a contract of service. In this case the rights conferred and the duties imposed by the individual’s contract with the company were not such as to make the contract one of service.

By breaking down the court’s findings, this article highlights why the case continues to underpin many of today’s conversations around employment status and contractual arrangements.

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