Hi all,
After claiming JSA for a few months, applying for loads of jobs and getting precisely nowhere I decided to go self-employed (as I hate not working and was feeling very demoralised - and bored!).
I am a lone parent of 2, aged 11 and 5. I have just signed up to be an Avon Rep again (did it a couple of years back and was pretty successful, but stopped when I split with ex husband as moved out of area). I have been given quite a large territory to start with, and I estimate that I will spend 2-3 hours or so a week, delivering and collecting brochures, delivering orders, etc. (I know some people claim 16 hours for this - how they get away with it I don't know lol).
I am also in the process of starting up my own domestic services company (housework, shopping, dog walking etc.), primarily aimed at the elderly; already got 2 customers confirmed, totalling 5-6 hours a week between them. With my just starting I am spending quite a bit of time on setting up - mainly advertising; delivering leaflets and business cards, putting posters up in shops etc. I have also signed up to some mystery shopping and survey sites just in case there is ever a shortfall in my hours (it seems it currently doesn't matter how much you earn per hour as SE, just that the work is "remunerative" - so according to HMRC surveys etc. are fine).
I phoned tax credits today to check that these unpaid activities were counted in the hours for my claim - was told that yes they definitely do, as they are necessary to the business, and that they will expect these unpaid hours to be less frequent as I (hopefully!) gain more clients. Also that they would not necessarily expect to see a profit in the first year of business.
The lady I spoke to also advised that the time I spend travelling from my home to clients' homes could be included in the 16 hours required of me (hopefully will be more like 25 when I'm fully up and running, and more when cherubs are older). Does this sound right to anyone? I don't drive and one of my customers lives a 20 minute walk from my house, so that would be 40 minutes travel time in total every time I'm there (2-3 times per week).
It makes sense to me that delivering Avon, collecting books in etc. would be included, but just can't get my head around that the time it takes to actually get to a customer and back would be? A bit worried that I have been given the wrong information (this has happened to me on various occasions with government departments unfortunately!). Can anyone enlighten me on this? I am keeping a detailed record (to the minute) of everything I am doing just in case it is is ever questioned, and I wouldn't want to trip myself up!
Coming off JSA and going self-employed is genuinely scary, especially when I have 2 children to consider. I just want to be sure that I'm doing everything right; I really want to make a go of things and succeed in this new venture.
If anyone could give me the benefit of their experience and / or knowledge I would be very grateful :)
Lou x
After claiming JSA for a few months, applying for loads of jobs and getting precisely nowhere I decided to go self-employed (as I hate not working and was feeling very demoralised - and bored!).
I am a lone parent of 2, aged 11 and 5. I have just signed up to be an Avon Rep again (did it a couple of years back and was pretty successful, but stopped when I split with ex husband as moved out of area). I have been given quite a large territory to start with, and I estimate that I will spend 2-3 hours or so a week, delivering and collecting brochures, delivering orders, etc. (I know some people claim 16 hours for this - how they get away with it I don't know lol).
I am also in the process of starting up my own domestic services company (housework, shopping, dog walking etc.), primarily aimed at the elderly; already got 2 customers confirmed, totalling 5-6 hours a week between them. With my just starting I am spending quite a bit of time on setting up - mainly advertising; delivering leaflets and business cards, putting posters up in shops etc. I have also signed up to some mystery shopping and survey sites just in case there is ever a shortfall in my hours (it seems it currently doesn't matter how much you earn per hour as SE, just that the work is "remunerative" - so according to HMRC surveys etc. are fine).
I phoned tax credits today to check that these unpaid activities were counted in the hours for my claim - was told that yes they definitely do, as they are necessary to the business, and that they will expect these unpaid hours to be less frequent as I (hopefully!) gain more clients. Also that they would not necessarily expect to see a profit in the first year of business.
The lady I spoke to also advised that the time I spend travelling from my home to clients' homes could be included in the 16 hours required of me (hopefully will be more like 25 when I'm fully up and running, and more when cherubs are older). Does this sound right to anyone? I don't drive and one of my customers lives a 20 minute walk from my house, so that would be 40 minutes travel time in total every time I'm there (2-3 times per week).
It makes sense to me that delivering Avon, collecting books in etc. would be included, but just can't get my head around that the time it takes to actually get to a customer and back would be? A bit worried that I have been given the wrong information (this has happened to me on various occasions with government departments unfortunately!). Can anyone enlighten me on this? I am keeping a detailed record (to the minute) of everything I am doing just in case it is is ever questioned, and I wouldn't want to trip myself up!
Coming off JSA and going self-employed is genuinely scary, especially when I have 2 children to consider. I just want to be sure that I'm doing everything right; I really want to make a go of things and succeed in this new venture.
If anyone could give me the benefit of their experience and / or knowledge I would be very grateful :)
Lou x