ESA & Pathways to Work

Harrington_2

Hi folks

First time poster & I hope someone can give me some advice.

I have been off work with stress & depression since the begining of January & my employer (now former employer) was only paying me SSP. However, having exhausted the internal grievance procedure with my employer they eventaully dismissed me in May on the basis of 'capability due to ill health'. As I have not quite been there for 12 months there is nothing I can do about it, but to be honest I'm quite relieved I don't have to go back there & I'm now well on my way to recovery now that there's no need for any further correspondence or meetings with them. Since they dismissed me, as my doctor has continued to sign me off sick, I have been claiming contributions based Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

Having had such a bad experience with my last employer I really can't face the thought of working for someone else again, in fear of something similar happening again (although deep down I know this is unlikely, but it's still a fear none the less). I have never previously been out of work or even off sick for more than a few days & I don't want to continue to do so. I have therefore decided to invest in a small franchise & work for myself. I don't expect to make a fortune doing this but it's something that is simple & stress free. I can also operate it either full time or if I'm still not feeling up to it I can simply cut my hours back until I feel right again.

Therefore, my query is this: I have recently signed up to & purchased my franchise. It was therefore my intention to notify the Dept for Work & Pensions that I no longer needed to calim ESA as soon as I started trading (in 2 or 3 weeks from now). However, I have just had a letter, from my loacl Job centre Plus, inviting me to attend a Pathways to Work Interview in 3 weeks (about the same time as I'm due to start my franchise). Should I really be telling the Dept. for Work & Pensions and Job Centre Plus that I will be starting a franchise soon or should I wait until I actually start. If I tell them now are they likely to stop my benefits immediately or will they still pay it until I actually start trading? I know it's not a lot but as SSP & then ESA have been my only source of income since January every little helps at the momment. Also should I still attend the Pathways to Work Interview, whether or not it's a few days before I start trading or just after?

Here's hoping someone can give me some valuable advice.

Thanks in advance.