Understanding self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions

The green paper 'Improving lives: the future of work, health and disability' [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 136.734] highlighted the potential advantages of self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions, and the importance of support for those who wish to pursue self-employment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had little evidence regarding the benefits of self-employment for disabled people and those with health conditions and the particular difficulties these individuals face. DWP commissioned this research to build the evidence base in this area and to understand: (1) the experience of self-employment for individuals with disabilities and health conditions; (2) the additional barriers they face when starting, sustaining or growing in self-employment; and (3) what works in terms of self-employment support. The findings have identified barriers and benefits to self-employment for individuals with disabilities and health conditions as well as types of support wanted in this area. DWP is using the findings to: influence the design of the future offer for self-employment in the interests of people with a health condition or disability; inform work on the future of New Enterprise Allowance; and develop the roles of Universal Credit work coaches for the self-employed.