Self employment help for unemployed

timgallon

Hi.

I have been unemployed for 6 months now and recently had a group back to work session at my JC+.

One of the things they mentioned is that they can give you help if you want to go into self employment.

Given the lack of jobs for my skills this is something that appeals at the moment but it is also quite a daunting prospect as i have never done anything like this before.

I have made an appointment with an advisor to discuss this when i sign on tomorrow to see what help they can offer.

Beforehand though can anyone on this forum describe what help the government would offer me if i went down the self employment route?

Also any experiences good or bad from those who have been in a similar situation and have done this would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

allen35

Ask the adviser about the £50 back to work scheme for people coming off benefits and into self employment, i,m sure the criteria is 6 months unemployed and the tax free payment is for 16 weeks but do check, you may be entitled to working tax credits depending on how many hours you will be working as self employed

Jowo_2

For WTC, keep an eye on proposals for the self-employed when benefits migrate over to the proposed Universal Credit system. The govt is proposing to treat the SE as if they are earning the NMW for the hours they work (even if they don't) whereas now tax credits will be calculated even when there is low or no profit than that.