Self Employed in the UK?

[Gaina]

Hello All :)

The cuts to benefits and harsher work tests that are looming are quite (well, very!) worrying if you're sick or Disabled in England at the moment, but rather than just sit and worry about it, I want to take control before someone else decides to chuck me in a job I can't cope with!

I used to work freelance for my local council and found that being able to set my own work days and hours worked very well for me.

I have just finished a Foundation Degree in Applied Art and Design and have also opened an online shop selling jewellery (don't panic, I know how much I can earn before I have to declare it - I used to work for the DWP in a former life! :D). I'd like to make a regular income from my jewellery and also my Art and Design skills but I'm finding it really difficult to get advice on self-employment tailored to my disability and the specific questions this throws up.

If anyone else on this forum lives in the UK and is self-employed I would really appreciate you sharing your experience and advice.

Thanks ;)