Abstract
Based on the study of arbitration and judicial cases involving new forms of employment, this working paper identifies and examines notable characteristics of disputes involving new forms of employment. This working paper found that the number of such disputes is not large compared to the total number of labour disputes in China but is growing and mainly involving instant delivery sector. The claims concentrated on compensation for work-related injuries along with recognition of an employment relationship. Employers are difficult to identify due to multiple outsourcing and digital evidence which are more prevalent than in other labour disputes. Combining an analysis of a number of actual cases and interviews with labour dispute arbitrators, the paper also found that the “reference basis” for judgments in these disputes is the Notice on the Recognition of Employment Relationships.