Whats being self-employed?
If you’re self-employed you do not have a contract of employment with an employer. You’re more likely to be contracted to provide services over a certain period of time for a fee and be in business in your own right. You’ll also pay your own Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions. You do not have employment rights as such if you’re self-employed since you are your own boss and can therefore decide, for example, how much to charge for your work and how much holiday to give yourself. You do have some legal protection, however. You mustn’t be discriminated against and you’re entitled to a safe and healthy working environment on your client’s premises for example. Self-employed women who have recently left their jobs may be entitled to Maternity Allowance.
