Lee Ting Sang v Chung Chi-Keung

Lee Ting Sang v Chung Chi-Keung [1990] UKPC 9 is a Hong Kong and UK labour law case concerning the scope of protection for people to employment rights. It took the view that an employment contract requires that regard be had to the economic reality of the relationship, looking at factors such as whether uses one's own tools or takes on business risk.

The case was heard on appeal from the Court of Appeal of Hong Kong.

Facts
A skilled stonemason wanted to claim he was within the health and safety regulations. To do so, he would have to be regarded in law as an employee.

Advice
Mr Lee Ting Sang was regarded as an employee. Therefore, he could claim that he was within the health and safety regulations. This was in spite of the fact that he was not, due to the skills he possessed, instructed how to do the job. The court took into account that he (1) worked mainly for a subcontractor on short-term basis, (2) was paid a piece-work rate or a daily rate, (3) did not possess any equipment, (4) did not hire any helpers, and (5) was not required to exercise management of the job,

Significance
The Privy Council took into account a number of factors to determine if there was a legal relationship of employment. They held that this was indeed the case, despite the fact that the worker here was skilled. Traditionally, skill was a factor which negated the existence of a legal relationship of employment.