With the withdrawal of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), there is no longer a dedicated self-employment support programme provided by DWP. Many people, including older people and disabled people, would benefit from the opportunity to start their own business as a way to engage with the labour market. DWP should evaluate the NEA and consult with external organisations who operate self- employment support schemes to design a new self-employment support programme that offers effective support ...

With the withdrawal of the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), there is no longer a dedicated self-employment support programme provided by DWP. Many people, including older people and disabled people, would benefit from the opportunity to start their own business as a way to engage with the labour market. DWP should evaluate the NEA and consult with external organisations who operate self- employment support schemes to design a new self-employment support programme that offers effective support and is inclusive of the needs of both disabled people and older people. Type: conclusion | Number: 27 | Paragraph: 159 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: DWP does not currently plan to develop a new self-employment support programme. There is a range of external support available to help claimants move into self-employment or develop existing self-employment. Claimants who are self-employed for the first time are eligible for a 12 month start up peri