Salary advice - working under new Ltd Co., with earnings from previous employment

[MrBronson]

I have recently set up as a Limited Company for freelance / contract work.

I was in full time employment prior to this, with earnings this tax year of £7,046.15 (£1,085.20 paid in tax).

I understand the general advice is to pay yourself somewhere between the LEL and your personal tax free allowance (my tax code is 647L).

Given that I have already earned more than my personal tax free allowance this year, it seems to me that I should not pay myself any salary from my company, and instead draw all earnings as dividends.

Is this acceptable? Or do I have to pay myself a salary as a Director?

Additionally, if I do draw all earnings as dividends, will I have already made the necessary contributions for state pension this tax year from my previous income?

I presume I will also be due a tax rebate at the end of the year, as I have paid tax at a pro-rata rate based on a 40k salary, but was only in employment for just over 2 months..

Many thanks for your advice!