Is It Correct to Use "Salary" for Part-Time Trainers, or Should It Be "Consultation Fee"?

Hi everyone! Please clarify, I have appointed part-time trainers in the school for violin, guitar, skating, etc. They will handle classes weekly, i.e., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

In the appointment order, I have mentioned the word "salary" - is it OK, or do I have to mention the consultation fee?

Request your suggestion for the same.

Regards, S. Lavanya

Hi, As they are not full-time employees, you can term them as consultants and mention a retainer fee in place of a salary. Also, hire them for a specific time frame, and if needed, you can renew with a new contract after the expiry of the current contract.

Understanding the Use of "Salary" for Part-Time Trainers

What is the issue with saying "salary"? If they are working for your school and getting paid for their service, there is nothing wrong with paying a salary. Since they are coming regularly on scheduled dates and teaching your children certain subjects, they should be considered teachers and not consultants or retainers.

It is okay if they don't have prescribed timings but will be called for guidance as and when required. However, in this case, they come on scheduled days and times. They are employees, and by whatever names their remuneration is called, it will not give them a status other than "employee." In addition to salary, they should also be given social security benefits like PF, ESI, Bonus, and Gratuity.

Dear Miss Lakshmi,

I completely agree with Mr. Madhu because you are paying them for services, not as a consultancy fee. Every employee is providing their service, whether they work six days a week or two days a week. Therefore, the amount you are paying them is like a salary.

Any designation used must have some correlation with the nature of the duties assigned. A consultant is someone who is being consulted. When the nature of the assignment is teaching, it has nothing to do with the consulting process. Whether it is full-time or part-time doesn't matter; the designation of consultant would be a misnomer. Remuneration, by whatever name it is shown, doesn't matter; the due statutory benefits have to be complied with.