Self employed then employed - retained worker

Think this is probably straightforward but I’m having a brain moment. Eu client clearly employed from March 19 to Feb 20 and then work stopped due to covid. Describes self employment/cash in hand work before finding the employment. Has pre-settled. Could this self employment then employment count towards the year of employment needed for retained worker status over 6 months? He’s at very significant risk of imminent homelessness. No illness.

He claimed UC in Feb/March 20 and it’s been in payment until a couple of months ago. Haven’t discovered formal stoppage reasons - client has poor english and has had journal difficulties generally.

Thank you.