e-petitions (6)

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to take strong proactive measures to enable Jobseekers Allowance (or some other benefit) to be claimed by job seekers who are focused on trying to start a new business.

It has become apparent that somewhere in the complex regulations of Jobcentre Plus, it is written that all unemployed claimants must seek a job via employer applications Only and that seeking a job through your own initiative for self employment is not to be commended, encouraged or allowed whilst making a jobseekers claim.

Additionally:

- Grants for business start-ups are scarce and only available in a minority of areas.

- The Income Support Scheme only offers £50 per week for the self employed if they have already set themselves up and declared a substantial occupation in self employment.

This leaves New Entrepreneurs and the Would Be Self Employed out in the cold whilst they try to create a business plan, research their market and set things in motion.

The unemployment system is therefore failing to support high numbers of jobseekers who are desperate to set up self employment and earn an independent income after long stints of failed job applications.

We the undersigned therefore petition the Prime Minister to take strong proactive measures to enable Jobseekers Allowance (or some other benefit) to be claimed by job seekers who are focused on trying to start a new business.

Might I be the first to suggest, Mr A. Christian, that anyone who has the balls (not Ed Balls, mind) to set up their own business doesn't need jobseekers allowance and many who think they want to be self-employed just don't have what it takes. If they are creating a business plan and researching their market they are already working for themselves and don't need any further help.