Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

Review Universal Credit rules for self-employed parents and fair reform

Open for signatures 54 signatures

What the petition asks

Launch a review into Universal Credit for self-employed people, focusing on fair reforms. This includes making the Minimum Income Floor more flexible and aligned with real earnings, extending the start-up period, and recognising essential unpaid work, especially for single parents.
Many self-employed parents are disadvantaged under current rules. The Minimum Income Floor often fails to reflect fluctuating income or the true hours worked, while vital unpaid tasks like administration, marketing, and client development are overlooked. The 12-month start-up period can be too short, particularly for those balancing childcare. A full review should identify practical improvements to create a fairer, more realistic system that supports sustainable self-employment.

Timeline

14 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 54
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 14 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.