Self-employment
Utilise this section to explore the world of self-employment and understand how this may work for you.
Finding the right employment opportunity can be difficult, ensuring that you find the correct employer, hours, suitable & safe transport, and more. However, Self-Employment could be a solution for you.
With over 4.5 million self-employed people in the UK, 14% of these are disabled. In the last 5 years the number of disabled people self-employed has grown by 30%.
These numbers are fantastic and show that self-employment is a great route for disabled people, with the right support.
Where to start
For most people, starting your own business can be overwhelming and a scary thought. The unknown can put a lot of people off, however, with support from family, friends, and other organisations listed below this could be a positive option for you.
You will need to think through if this path is right for you, explore some of the following questions to see if your answer’s align with self-employment:
- do you know what business you want to start/offer?
- does it use your strengths?
- do people need what you are offering?
- is the money you will make enough to address your needs?
- do you know what equipment you will need to set the business up?
Self-employment isn’t for everyone, it might not suit you and your lifestyle, so ensure you think through this and speak with family and friends to explore their thoughts also.
Have a plan
Before you move forward and approach any of the services that can offer you support, it might be worth thinking through your business plan.
- have a good idea of your services/business that you want to offer
- research into what you will need to set up the business, equipment, insurance, training/qualifications etc
- look at the competition and similar services locally
- have an idea about finances, business running costs, what your charge will be for services etc
There are more things to think through but the above is a place to start.
Advantages and disadvantages
The table below shows some of the advantages and disadvantages to self-employment:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Flexibility and choice of work | No managers to keep you motivated and on target |
Progression is your choice | Can get lonely if working on your own |
Independence and freedom | More responsibilities |
Increased mental health as you are doing something you love | Takes time to build up a customer base |
Support links
Have a look through these following links for support into taking the first step to running your own business:
Access to Work
A self-employed guide to disability grants.
British Association for Self-Employment
Our purpose is to support, promote and develop the principles and provision of supported employment.
Disabled entrepreneurs
Support for disabled entrepreneurs.
Disabled entrepreneurs
Support and advice on starting and growing your business.
IPSE- Supporting self-employed and freelancers
Supporting disabled people who are self-employed or freelancers.
My Family Our Needs
Self-employment for disabled people.
Self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions
This research explores the experiences of self-employment for individuals with disabilities and health conditions and the types of support wanted in this area.
Self-employment and benefits - Disability charity Scope UK
Information about self-employment and benefits from Scope UK.
Start up a business
Information from Scope UK about starting up a business.