Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

JD Wetherspoon v Burger: High Court of England and Wales limits vicarious liability; true independent contractors not akin to employment; a written contract usually ends the control and integration enquiry.

Published on: 06 August 2025

Published by a LexisNexis PI & Clinical Negligence expert
Legal News
imgtext
Article summary

J D Wetherspoon Plc v Burger and another company [2025] EWHC 1259 (KB)

What are the practical implications of this case?

This ruling matters greatly to anyone who hires (or is perceived to have hired) a third party to act on their behalf. Its effect is felt widely across the hospitality industry, notably where security provision is concerned. Yet it is just as significant in any sphere that retains contractors to deliver services for another party. The hazard is being saddled with liability for what a third party does while performing a specialist task. If that boundary were not maintained, the very notion of a truly independent contractor would be undermined and the commercial allocation of risk diluted. Too often, commercial clients are left potentially liable when the contractor fails to answer a claim or engage with it. That can become a very costly result, and this decision provides support in defending such claims.

What was the background?

On 5 August 2018 Mr Burger was restrained...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow