Thinking of self employment

alison1971

I got made redundant in March, like many people. I got myself a job quite quickly at a previous employment I had, unfortunately the business hasn’t reopened yet due to the pandemic as it’s in a lockdown area and the business is children’s soft play. It appears it could be a while before it opens due to Bolton still under strict restrictions. I have my job confirmation, but because it’s way after the furlough began I can’t claim this, so basically I’m still on universal credit. I feel stuck in limbo, as does the owner of the business of course.
Ive toyed with the idea of going self employed until the business reopens, but no idea if this could work as I’m on UC, any advice would be appreciated, quite frankly, as in many cases, all this is getting me down. 

Ditzy_Mitzy

Self-employed as what?  

Sandtree

If you are asking how self employment will impact your benefits you'd probably be better asking in the benefits section.

If its about being self employed it would be easier if you asked specific questions but in principle there is no reason why self employment conceptually wouldnt work and potentially work well enough that you come off benefits and decide to continue it post lockdown.

Dox

alison1971 said:

Ive toyed with the idea of going self employed until the business reopens, but no idea if this could work as I’m on UC, any advice would be appreciated, quite frankly, as in many cases, all this is getting me down. 

Depends what you'd do and whether you could generate any business on a self-employed basis. See https://www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit for how self employment and UC interact.

Grumpy_chap

As you were made redundant, are you claiming JSA?  Not sure how that works with UC, but if you are on JSA you may be able to get NEA to help with setting up in self employment.  Sorry I don't have all the details on this, but it could be an option worth investigating.