LONDON — Britain now has a record 1.2 million people holding down two or more jobs, official figures show, as stagnant wages and runaway living costs force workers to patch together incomes across multiple roles.
The surge, revealed in the latest Office for National Statistics labour market data, comes as traditional nine-to-five employment contracts erode under pressure from precarious gig work and industry disruption. Workers aged 25 to 34 now account for nearly 30% of the total, up from 22% five years ago, signalling a generational shift in how people earn a living.
Key Trends
- ⚡ 1.2m Britons now hold second jobs, highest since 1992
- 🔄 30% of multiple jobholders are aged 25–34, up from 22% in 2019
- 📈 Gig economy roles account for 40% of second jobs, up 15% in two years
London leads the trend, with over 180,000 residents holding multiple positions—a figure that has doubled since 2020. Hospitality, retail and care sectors dominate the second-job market, where shifts often clash with unpredictable hours and no employment protections.
| Sector | Second Jobs (2024) | Growth Since 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | 240,000 | +35% |
| Retail | 190,000 | +28% |
| Care & Social Work | 150,000 | +42% |
| Transport & Logistics | 110,000 | +19% |
Among those affected is Sarah Lowe, 29, a London-based care worker who picks up shifts at a local supermarket on weekends to cover her £1,400 monthly rent. “I’m not choosing this—survival is the only option,” she said. Lowe, who also works an overnight hospital shift three nights a week, says she hasn’t had a full night’s sleep in over a year.
💡 Pro Tip
Use HMRC’s online tool to check if you’re owed unclaimed tax relief for multiple income streams—especially if you work freelance or on zero-hours contracts.
Economists warn the trend is masking deeper labour market weaknesses. While unemployment remains low at 4.2%, the rise in multiple jobholding suggests underemployment is at record levels—with workers taking extra roles not out of choice, but necessity.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4.2% — Current UK unemployment rate, unchanged since January
- 6.8% — Proportion of workers with second jobs in 2024, up from 5.1% in 2019
- £12,500 — Average annual income from second jobs, according to Citizens Advice
Employer groups argue the shift reflects flexibility needs, but unions counter that it highlights systemic failures in wage growth and job security. “People shouldn’t have to work themselves into the ground just to afford rent,” said Dave Ward, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union.
Sector Impact
- 🏥 Care sector: 1 in 10 workers now hold a second role
- 🛒 Retail: Weekend and evening shifts most sought after
- 🍽️ Hospitality: 35% of staff report taking on extra gigs via apps
With inflation persisting above the Bank of England’s target and real wages still below 2021 levels, the trend shows no sign of reversing. Policy experts say targeted support for low-income households could help—but without structural reforms, millions will remain trapped in a cycle of exhausting work just to stay afloat.