Second jobs are "quietly reshaping the workforce" says Essex business expert
New research shows seventy percent of small businesses admit team members are working an additional job
A business expert in Essex is warning that small business employees are taking on second jobs "just to stay afloat".
In a recent LinkedIn poll, 70% of business leaders from small businesses, classified as having less than 50 employees and a turnover of less than £10 million, said several team members are now working an additional job to help cover rising living costs.
The main respondents are from sectors such as early years support, business services, and tech, showing this isn’t isolated to low-paid industries.
Peter Boolkah, who works with small businesses in Chelmsford, tells Greatest Hits Radio it suggests "more than just personal financial strain."
"It suggests deeper cracks in how businesses are coping with wage pressures, staff engagement, and burnout risk, especially in sectors already battling skills shortages and economic uncertainty" says Mr Boolkah.
He adds without action, the long-term effects could weaken company culture, performance, and resilience.
In December 2024 to February 2025, the number of people with second jobs in the UK increased to 1.3 million, representing 3.8% of those in employment, according to the Office of National Statistics.
That's the highest number since 1995 and follows decreases in 2023.
"This may be the new future and what we will see is a massive drop in productivity, you can't burn the candle at both hands for a sustained period of time.
"We may see more people have mental breakdowns
Mr Boolkah is urging companies to help mitigate the situation and support their employers to stop them from burning out.
"Businesses can't stop your employees, they're going to do it anyway.
Support may include having honest conversations that help employees feel heard and cared for, considering profit sharing and other performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and budgeting assistance to create "legitimate space for side hustles", says Mr Boolkah.
"It's about being encouraging as a business owner, and how to move forward positively for the team member, and ultimately the business."