How to go self employed?

[rococopops]

I've just gone back one day a week 10-2 and as and when needed from home on an hourly basis. I am a graphic designer and the company I am working for have said will do my tax return for me if I am employed on a freelance basis. They will pay me £15 p/h, childcare is £6 p/h. Is going self employed the best way for me? It feels scary...

Any advice would be much appreciated

[Nigglenaggle]

Sounds a bit dodgy.... do they want to avoid hiring you at quiet times? Or avoid paying you holiday pay. To qualify as self employed they will need to accept that you choose your working hours and can refuse any work you dont want. You also choose your holidays so they cant tell you you cant have certain dates off.

[Saffra]

Sounds maybe a bit weighted in their favour to me. No holiday/sick pay and no guarantees?

[GodisaDJ]

I managed to get the company I work for to hire me on a temp contract rather than be self employed (funnily enough, same rate of pay and 15 hours p/w) but I was offered the choice at interview (HR consultancy)

It won't be perm but it is the beginning of a potential self employed situation.

Having added the home-based costs (Internet, computer, printer, cartridges, stationary) on top of NI and tax, you'd be better off getting them to employ you OR they increase their hourly rate to at least £25p/h.

The benefits of being 'employed' this early on in a potential business, outweigh being self employed (especially holiday leave entitlement)

[suebfg]

I've never heard of a company (other than a proper accountant) offering to do tax returns - sounds strange.

Also, be aware that there are set up costs involved in setting up your own company, although there are other options such as umbrella companies where for a weekly fee, they manage your invoices, payroll etc.