Friend told me today…

[FairieCastel]

Her husband is working 2 full time jobs remotely. They live in the UK, so he works one in the day and then one which is US timezone. But there is crossover. Is it me or does this seem, I don’t know, fraudulent ?

This.

As long as you are paying your taxes from money earned in each country.

I’d be more concerned about his health and whether they’re ok financially than the precise logistics tbh

@FreebieWallopFridge definitely okay financially. Friend is also incredibly hard worker and has progressed very well in her career.

It's this sort of thing that makes large companies hesitant about having their staff WFH.

There's nothing to stop someone working for two companies, and basically giving insider information to the second company.

In a normal office environment you would not be able to start working for a different company in America after 13:45 during your employed working hours!

Of course it's unethical, but at the same time it's "a thing" and if your personal stress levels can take it, more power to you.

This is why you should never tell anybody anything about your financial circumstances ever! What on earth was your friend thinking telling you this information?
Never tell anyone anything, people are only ever caught because they couldn’t keep their mouths shut.

@Circumferences unethical is the word I was looking for not fraudulent.

Seems to be a whole lifestyle choice which is fascinating (according to Reddit).

He must really need the weekends when they come round.

@PersephoneSmith I don’t know who either of the employers are so he’s not going to get ‘caught’ - although if he’s doing nothing wrong, as most posters think then there’s nothing to get caught for surely?

I don’t know. Either way, I thought it was interesting, but ultimately everyone is absolutely right in saying not my business so I’ll duck out now 😊

What crime do you think he is committing?

Politicians often have a number of jobs as do TV presenters if freelance and surgeon s/doctors who do both private and NHS work. As long as all the parties are happy and there is no conflict then it's ok. He might be employed as a Consultant and WFH so can work for 2 employers

Most full time employment contracts do prohibit employees from taking on additional paid employment so he’s probably breaching his contract but if he’s able to keep up with the work I guess they may never find out.

i have a full time day job and a part time evening/weekend job because I’m skint.
This doesn’t really sound any different and I sympathise with him because the extra hours are a killer!
Not sure what crime I’m committing??

If the employers and HMRC know then I don't see the issue.

The difference is, you are not being paid to do them both at the same time.

As long as they have declared the additional work with the companies and they are paying tax it’s fine. I know lots of people that have 3 jobs

As long as both jobs are happy with his output, I can't see any issue (other than jealousy) here..

Why did she tell you?

I would be having words with my partner if they ever discussed something like this with their friend.

It's the overlap that's fraudulent. Two employers are paying for the same time. I worked with someone who did two jobs very well but worked outside of his contracted hours in order to complete the work. His employers found out and didn't care that he was completing the work only that he was being paid twice for the same hours. He got two years in prison.

If he is able to fulfil both roles

If there's nothing in the T&Cs of his work contracts about paid employment for another employer

If there is no conflict of interest and his two employers aren't rivals

If he's declared both jobs to their respective Inland Revenue Services and he's paying all taxes due

Then there's no issue

Surely it’s only fraudulent if you’re not paying your taxes or you've gone against company policy/are working for two companies that have a conflict of interest?

I’ve worked two jobs lots of times in my younger days. Office during the day and pub/wine bar in the evening.

I guess it depends what the contracts say, I know my DS’s contract states that he can’t have another job.

It’s called “overemployed” and if you look on Reddit you’ll see people with 7 jobs….

There's nothing to stop someone working for two companies, and basically giving insider information to the second company.

I worked for a large corporate. It was acceptable to do other work as long as it wasn't conducted on the company's time and there wasn't a conflict or interest - eg working for a competitor or where insider info would be of benefit. Then it became a sackable offence.

If he delivers what they pay for,and then pays the appropriate tax, what difference does it make?

I know several people who work 2 jobs and use flexi time to make a changeover work. As a single parent, had to do it myself over the years. As long as neither company is being shortchanged, I really dont see the problem.

If he was being paid by two companies but not doing the work then yes, that would be unethical, but if he isnt then its perfectly above board.

Plenty of people work more than one job to make ends meet. It’s definitely not something to envy or judge.