CLAIMANT WAS LAID OFF AFTER 15 YEARS BUT CONTINUED TO DO SIMILAR WORK FOR THE EMPLOYER; AFTER HE WAS LAID OFF HE WAS NO LONGER AN EMPLOYEE AND THEREFORE WAS NOT ENTITLED TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS (THIRD DEPT).

The Third Department, reversing the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board, determined a photograph researcher who continued to work for a a publisher, Rosen Publishing, after he was laid off after 15 years, was not an employee and therefore was not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits:

… [W]e conclude that … the Board’s finding of an employer-employee relationship is not supported by substantial evidence. After [claimant was laid off], when a photograph research project became available, Rosen Publishing would email claimant the project’s title, the number of specs needed and the deadline for the project, which project he could accept or reject. If claimant accepted the project, an additional email with further information regarding the book’s manuscript and further detail about the project was provided. Other than the deadline for the project, claimant was not required to work any specific hours, was not required to report to Rosen Publishing at any time during the course of the project, received no fringe benefits and could have others perform the research. Claimant was not prohibited from working for competitors, there was no written contract and he was not reimbursed for any expenses, nor was he provided with any equipment to perform his research. Matter of Levick (Rosen Publ. Group Inc.–Commissioner of Labor), 2021 NY Slip Op 06890, Third Dept 12-9-21