Should I go self-employed?

Pots'o'dosh

I am currently undertaking temporary work through an employment agency. I wonder if it would be better for me to go self-employed and then invoice companies direct istead of going through the agency. I know an introduction fee would be payable if I was offered full time employment by the company but as self-employed I would not actually be employed by the company and therefore not eligible to pay the fee. What do you think?

GIRLPOWER_2

I know many that have been in your position and they have always got out of it by applying for jobs within the company.. not the one the agency has sent you to do.. they are just your foot in the door show them what you are made of jobs, if you are taken on doing the job the agency have sent you there to do they normally have to pay them 15% of your first years pay. But apply for a different post within the same company and the agency get nothing...

Mark7799

Are you in a sort of job that can allow you to work as self-employed? The Revenue are tightening the rules up on this practice and unless you can fit most of their criteria, this may not be an option.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/index.htm#1

Pots'o'dosh

Thank you both for your replies. I do secretarial/admin and also some care work. I am not looking for a full time job but would like to be a "semi-permanent temp" for one of the companies the agency have sent me to as they always need temps and have asked me back on several occasions this is why I would like to go "freelance" as it were. But where would I stand with the agency then as the company I go to wouldn't actually be employing me, merely using my services. Hope this is clear.