plan to shift to contract,what if jobless while applying ILR

[webhunter]

I have read in various posts that it is either better (or even mandatory) that one should have a job while applying for ILR.

I am due for ILR(4 years) in 6 months time and I am now planning to jump to contracting from my perm position. What this means is in next 6 months anything can happen, job less for a few months before application or exactly job less on the time of application.

Now the tricky bit is, can you be jobless a few months before application ( I have been economically active for the last 3 and half years). Even trickier and intersting fact is, my Leave to reamain does'nt expire in 6 months time (I will still have valid leave to reamin 1 + 4 HSMP, a year after i am eligible to apply for ILR ).

So can I not apply (assuming I wont be in a contract when I am due for ILR) at that time, and just keep waiting beyond that point till a date when I have a contract (using my additional HSMP leave) and then apply once a job in hand. Even in this scenario, I need to meet the requirement not being job less for a few months before applying ( if there is such a requirement).

Any thoughts, please ?

[OFCHARITY]

If you contract through your own limited Liability company you wouldn't have to worry about being out of contract as you would still be employed to your company