I am changing employers in a couple weeks. My current employer will need me to work on a part-time basis after I start my new job.

I had expected to go 1099 but they have suggested that they would prefer to have me stay on the payroll as a part-time employee.

Is there any downside to moving to part-time vs. moving to be independent? I assume I will have a smaller tax burden if I stay as an employee. I will need to negotiate the new rate either way.