Research and analysis

Self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions

This research explores the experiences of self-employment for individuals with disabilities and health conditions and the types of support wanted in this area.

From:
Department for Work and Pensions
Published
15 May 2019

Documents

Summary: Understanding self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions

HTML

Full report: Understanding self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-137-1, Research Report 974

HTML

Understanding self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-137-1, RR974

PDF, 640 KB, 83 pages

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Details

The green paper Improving lives: the future of work, health and disability highlighted:

  • the potential advantages of self-employment for people with disabilities and health conditions
  • 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:

  • the experience of self-employment for individuals with disabilities and health conditions
  • the additional barriers they face when starting, sustaining or growing in self-employment
  • what works in terms of self-employment support

Research value

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
  • develop the roles of Universal Credit work coaches for the self-employed

Authors: Lorna Adams, Becky Cartmell, Rowan Foster, Matthew Foxwell, Leo Holker, Alex Pearson and Gill Stewart (IFF Research), Marc Cowling (Brighton Business School), John Kitching (Kingston Business School)

Published 15 May 2019

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