54 self employed business closed - options?

chisel1

Hi posting on behalf of a distressed friend. who worked as a selfemployed handyman for the last 20 years.
Hes 54, been sick for the last year. Ive just done his accounts for the last year. This is the second year running that hes run at a loss. All savings gone. Tax bill from 2014 outstanding, credit card bill and 4 months left on mortgage.
Ive suggested that he close and look for a PAYE job. Security or something. Is this really an option? Can anyone advise? Where does one go to look for work?

Mrs OBumble

Has he applied for welfare? With the 2nd year running at a loss and still owning on the mortgage, he's likely eligible for Job Seekers's Allowance (despite rumours about self-employed people not being eligible: they are, they just have to go through more hoops).

Any quals? Recent certs, like a PSA licence?

Best way to look for jobs is networking: think who does he know who might employ someone like him, and then ask them if they can help. Also think about who he knows who works at a place which might employ him, and ask them to recommend him.

punisher5112

Luas looking for drivers and Dublin bus.

chisel1

He contacted welfare, they said because his wife makes 23 k - hes entitled to nothing.
4 kids in late teens.

Which PSA license should he get ?

punisher5112

chisel1 wrote: »

He contacted welfare, they said because his wife makes 23 k - hes entitled to nothing.
4 kids in late teens.

Which PSA license should he get ?

Once has a full b drivers licence he can apply.

For db he will need to apply for the D permit. Look up ndls site for all info needed.

He could also try taxi.

chisel1

punisher5112 wrote: »

Once has a full b drivers licence he can apply.

For db he will need to apply for the D permit. Look up ndls site for all info needed.

He could also try taxi.

Yeh was thinking of taxi, but the 4k owed to revenue might be a problem with tax clearence cert.

Mrs OBumble

Can he get work driving for someone as an employee?

Cyclonius

His wife might be able to claim Family Income Supplement (FIS) if she's only on 23k a year (not self-employed), and they have four teenagers. Assuming that she meets the eligibility criteria, the Department of Social Protection would pay them 60% of the difference between what they believe it would take to keep such a family (€834 per week) and what your friend's wife earns (€442 approx per week), which would equate to about €235 per week.

To get this rate the four kids would have to be under 18, or be between 18 and 22 and in full time employment. It also mentions that it can't be paid to a person who is self-employed; not sure what impact a person's spouse being self-employed would have,your friend in this case, but he may need to de-register. Still, he or his wife could ring the FIS Section in Longford first, and quiz them fully about the situation before he does anything. It might be a help until he finds work himself.

the_syco

chisel1 wrote: »

Hi posting on behalf of a distressed friend. who worked as a selfemployed handyman for the last 20 years.

If he's any good, he should know a few lads that have their own business, and ask to work with them.

chisel1

Cyclonius wrote: »

His wife might be able to claim Family Income Supplement (FIS) if she's only on 23k a year (not self-employed), and they have four teenagers. Assuming that she meets the eligibility criteria, the Department of Social Protection would pay them 60% of the difference between what they believe it would take to keep such a family (€834 per week) and what your friend's wife earns (€442 approx per week), which would equate to about €235 per week.

To get this rate the four kids would have to be under 18, or be between 18 and 22 and in full time employment. It also mentions that it can't be paid to a person who is self-employed; not sure what impact a person's spouse being self-employed would have,your friend in this case, but he may need to de-register. Still, he or his wife could ring the FIS Section in Longford first, and quiz them fully about the situation before he does anything. It might be a help until he finds work himself.

A friend suggested this. His wife gets it and hes self employed. He also gets the medical card.
Ill call them tomorrow.