"There's no doubt the classification was done beforehand, " Loeb said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The work that I have put into this, the passion that backs it, and who I have become throughout this journey all remains the same no matter what classification I am.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The new law states explicitly that the fact taxes are not withheld has no bearing on the classification decision.

FORBES: Criminal Penalties For Misclassifying Independent Contractors?

However, Mr Barnard said that there was no practical significance in the mountain classification, saying it was "just a word".

BBC: Ordnance Survey confirms mountain status for Thack Moor