Can l set up my own business while on furlough

jadecarter123

I am currently furloughed off my employer but have started making my own crafts l feel my job is uncertain & l want to register & set up my business can l do this while on furlough. I have read that you cannot work for another company but l can’t see anything on working for yourself.

sharpe106

You can work for another company if your contract allows you the same as working for yourself. You can't work for the company that furloughs you. 

Grumpy_chap

You can set up your own business as that is not working for the employer from whom you are furloughed.

Does your contract of employment allow you to work elsewhere?

Irrespective of the above, if the craft work is essentially a hobby business and nothing similar to the main job, I would be inclined to just do it and not ask main employer.

prowla

The scheme (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme#when-your-employees-are-on-furlough) states:

If contractually allowed, your employees are permitted to work for another employer whilst you have placed them on furlough.

So that says that you can, provided your employment contract allows it.

In all honesty, I can't see making your own crafts as an issue (unless your main job is doing that).

whizzywoo

@jadecarter Just some advice for you about setting up a craft business.  I did this for many years and made a good part time wage from it by selling on Etsy.com.  You may have already heard of it but just thought I would mention it to you.