Trolley Boy, Ltd.

Shopping carts and cars make a bad mixture in a parking lot, and supermarkets in Australia are resorting to a novel tactic to avoid liability.  The stores have begun using independent “contract” workers, instead of employees, as “trolley boys.”  The youths, many of whom own few assets, are finding themselves personally liable for the damage caused by the carts.

Because of their status, the young workers also are responsible for their own taxes and insurance and may have to register as “companies.”