One in five UK professionals now working a second job, says Robert Walters

Nearly one in five UK professionals now work a second job and 30% are considering taking one on, as rising living costs and tax pressures continue to strain household finances, according to new research from global talent solutions provider Robert Walters.

The firm’s survey revealed that the vast majority of professionals pursuing side hustles are doing so out of financial necessity, with 75% citing extra income as their primary motivation.

Lucy Bisset, director at Robert Walters, said: “The number of professionals actively pursuing side hustles, as well as those considering them, truly attests to the levels of financial instability many professionals and businesses currently face.

“Professionals must consider several factors to maximise the benefits of a side hustle – like ensuring they understand any new tax obligations and being careful to remember that the hours invested into a secondary job aren’t always proportionate to the rewards.”

The study found that of those already engaged in a side hustle, 43% work on it daily in some form, 34% at least twice a week, and 21% “whenever they have the time”. One in four said they commit 10 to 20 hours per week to their second job, pushing total working hours for full-time staff to as much as 67.5 hours per week.

Some professionals reported negative impacts on their main role, with 27% citing reduced capacity and 13% reporting increased burnout. However, 36% said side hustles provided added motivation or inspiration, and 24% said they had developed transferable skills useful in their primary job.

HMRC has recently stepped up enforcement activity with its new Help for Hustles campaign, aimed at improving tax compliance among online sellers using platforms such as Etsy, eBay and Airbnb.

Bisset added: “Side hustles can greatly enhance a professional’s main role and their CV – by helping them bring in fresh ideas and perspectives, pursue a passion project as well as developing transferable skills which can improve their existing capabilities.

“The key is maintaining a balance — a side hustle should enrich your professional capacity and profile, not diminish it.”