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Jobseekers
Self-employment
Working for yourself is another work option you can consider. Find out about the free help and support available to you.
Getting started with your business idea
There are lots of good reasons for wanting to work for yourself. Maybe you’ve got a great idea or passion that could be turned into profits. Maybe you want to work from home to fit in better with family commitments. Or maybe you simply want to take more control of your life and be your own boss. If you get it right, being self-employed can be exciting, rewarding and challenging. To make sure you get it right, you should think about talking to the business experts.
Information and support for new businesses
There is a lot of information, advice and practical support available, and most of it is free. From planning a business and raising finance, to making sure you have enough to live on while you get your business off the ground, this section gives you some ideas of where to turn.
There are a range of sources of advice that provide practical information and support for new and existing businesses. They will help you meet all the legal and financial requirements of being self-employed.
Business Link, Business Gateway and Flexible Support for Business
Business Link in England, Business Gateway in Scotland, and Flexible Support for Business in Wales all provide the information, advice and support you need to start, maintain and develop your business.
What other help is available
If you’ve been unemployed for six months or more and have claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobcentre Plus has a package of support which includes a self-employment credit of £50 a week for up to 16 weeks. This is payable whether you launch a business or move into self-employment.
If you are interested, talk to your Jobcentre Plus personal adviser for more information.
Provided by Jobcentre Plus
