Posted By Mike Craven I would be grateful to hear from anyone, particularly colleagues who are self-employed, with views on the following please. I am currently employed full-time - CMIOSH on £35k per annum, plus pension and healthcare benefits - by a housing association. Always fancied working for myself and believe that I could do additional work, if I had more flexibility and only did the H&S part of my job, instead of having to work normal office hours Mon to Fri and getting involved in other issues as part of the management team, etc. Employer may be interested in employing me on a self-employed basis as a consultant and be willing to pay a sum of money into my business as a monthly fee. The fee being offered would pretty much match my existing salary. The main advantages of this would be that I could work for myself and, with support from my partner (who can do some of my admin and clerical work) and the ability to work outside of normal office hours and save some travel to work time, I could seek further work as a consultant. In other words, I would have a guranteed monthly income, similar to what I have at the moment, and the ability to take on other work. "What's holding me back???" Probably the fact that I've been in full-time employment for 28 years; am 45 years old; am settled in a decent job which is going very well; can see a decent company pension on the (distant) horizon; am aware of the usual employee benefits such as sick-pay, etc; and am firmly fixed in my "comfort zone!" What would you do? (Feel free to e-mail me direct if you wish) Regards Mike

Posted By I H I think you need an accountant but my experince was along the lines of a ltd company. Protects you if it all goes wrong. Your employer may pay the same as your wage but if you have only one client then you are not a consultant. IR34 I think its called, if you are working for your former employer 9-5 on set days thats part time employment. That said its a great start for you to go onto find work. Its how I started. Walked out of a £45k pa job, 2 children under the age of 5 and a big mortgage, the biggest problem I had was flexability. See if you can pick and choose the days you consult (not work for them)and that will give you opportunity to see other people. I was always told, if you are good you will get work. I'm not sure if it was a reference to my ability or attitude, but only you can answer that one.

Posted By Bob Youel Appraise yourself / your current status; * Have you ran a business before? * Do you know about the tax/insurance implications * Are you good at marketing/sales * What about the insurance * Do you get paid sickness * Paid pension etc If you think that you can work for one company alone e.g. transfer from PAYE to self employed and stay at the same desk etc; as many have tried, think again as the Dept of Pensions, Social Security and the taxman etc say different Being self-employed is not every body's destiny. However take the jam and the bread e.g. stay where you are and undertake work as a sole trader / limited company as a separate undertaking - it can be done

Posted By David Brede Hi Mike, I made this choice 3 years ago, give me a ring or email me direct. 07930960241

Posted By David Brede Further to my brief response the salient issue is how you intend to trade with your former employer. The issue that would interest the Inland Revenue would be are you any different to an employee receiving a salary? Basically if you are not then they will feel your collar! In essence you should be being paid for projects completed as opposed to time spent at work, and have control of your affairs. You will not receive employee benefits such as holiday and pension contributions and be providing equipment, cameras computers etc to carry out your business. If you have any concerns about the contract you are being offered there are law firms who specialise in this field and I can put you on to them. There are accountancy firms who also assist. Some do direct you to their umbrella companies which will leave you scarcely better off or assist you to operate as a limited company if you so wish. If you want any more information contact me and I will go through it in more detail