Advice needed, self employed and employment

[tootsey]

Hi, can someone advise please. I currently am a self employed cleaner, working 16 hours a week. Due to coronavirus, I've had a number of cancellations leaving me with 4-6hrs work a week. Can someone tell me if I am ok to take on the remaining hours as an employee. I receive tax credits and do not want to mess things up, ie cause a change in circumstances which would mean changing to universal credit.

Any advice appreciated.

[flowery]

Do you mean one of your clients has offered to employ you rather than have you invoice them on a self-employed basis?

[tootsey]

No, a number of clients have cancelled, so as I only have a few hours left to work, I am looking for work in Tesco or Asda to tide me over.

[flowery]

Oh I see. It was the “take on the remaining hours” that confused me- you said you had 4-6 hours work left.

I don’t know what the rules are around benefits or anything I’m afraid, but surely getting a job is better than not earning?

[leghairdontcare]

but surely getting a job is better than not earning?

Unfortunately, due to the absolute mess that the DWP is in, the OP may well be better off not working if she can manage in the short term.

Try www.entitledto.co.uk/ and play around with the figures to see what you'd get with UC. Posting in chat may help too as there's some experts on it.

Keep an eye out for any announcements the chancellor makes in terms of support for self employed people.