jocentre rsponse
In exactly the same situation myself but for different reasons. Worked for a well known carrier as permanent staff for the last two years of the benefits 'assessment' period but for the first year of this three year period I was in via a contractor and hence was 'self employed'. Although I paid voluntary NI contributions, they were class 3 which is normal for most self employed people. This was not sufficient however as they need to be full class 1 (ie PAYE etc) for the entire period. As I have savings of over £15000 (lucky me) I can't even get JSA. To be fair the jobcentre chap has been helpful. If I take a 13week 'holiday' from the system and then re-register as unemployed this will move me into a later 'three year period' which will be covered by the correct class of NI to get JSA. It is ok to self certify for the purposes of Disclosure Scotland for pass issues for up to 12 weeks so it almost covers the 'holiday'.
Ho hum.......................