second job- should I tell my employer?

[twojobtom]

I am a full time professional working for local council. Think teacher / social worker (not my role, but it’s that type of job).

I’ve found an extra zero hours contract job that I can do at weekends to supplement my income. Currently thinking of working one full Saturday every second or third weekend, but as it’s zero hours it’s totally up to me, I don’t think it will affect my job performance because if I am tired or stressed or busy I just won’t take the hours.

l’ve checked my job contract and employee handbook and there’s nothing I can see that says I can’t take a second job or that I have to ask permission or inform my employer if I do.

I feel a little dishonest by not saying anything, but also I don’t want to risk asking JUST in case they say no. Better to ask forgiveness than permission, etc.

Would keeping the zero hour contract quiet be unreasonable do you think? Even if it’s not in my contract, is it manners / etiquette / ‘the done thing’ to mention it?
If and when they find out, is it likely they will feel justifiably annoyed or let down that I didn’t tell them?

If you're sure that it won't impact your FT role, then you're probably okay, but DO make sure you tell HMRC, or you'll get skelped tax-wise.

No idea. Can’t you ring HR? You don’t have to give your name, surely? It’s not your line manager that makes the call anyway. If it’s fine then say nothing.

As long as there is no professional conflict of interest they don’t have a right to have an issue with this. Assume it’s in a totally unrelated field to your main employment?

Yes it’s unrelated to my main job.

@LadyJaye

If you're sure that it won't impact your FT role, then you're probably okay, but DO make sure you tell HMRC, or you'll get skelped tax-wise.

If it's a employee role there's no need to do this. All the OP needs to do is inform the second employer and they'll tax at basic rate (or at 40% if a higher rate taxpayer).

I’m pretty sure they will find out sooner or later anyway, if only because I don’t like secrets, but I’d like it to be an “oh yes I’ve been doing this for a while - clearly I am managing both jobs well” scenario.

You are under no obligation to tell your employer anything. You will be taxed at BR rate on your 2nd job, if you have presumably used up your £12,500 tax allowance on your 1st job.

If your contract and handbook don't say anything, it's up to you. I'm slightly surprised that they don't, because the combination of the two jobs will potentially take you over the maximum weekly working hours. At my place, that's the part they would care about - from a health point of view, would you be getting enough rest / breaks, and remain able to do your main job well? The answer may well be yes, and all good, but it's worth thinking through that aspect.

I'd be honest with them
I used to work 2 jobs and the main employer got a notification from HMRC as I opted to split my tax code
Looks better If your honest

I work for a council and for staff above a certain (not particularly senior) grade you have to declare if you’re taking on another job.

I would let them know as your employer has to ensure that what you work fits the working time directive - unless you have opted out of course!

I'd be surprised if a local authority doesn't have a policy on second jobs. Double and triple check your HR policies on your intranet.

it's down to your employment contrac - if you've checked your contract, hand books and relevant staff policies, nothing to worry about.

I started a new part time role recently, and whilst I didn't intend to take on other work, the contract was quite draconian on the subject, I think it even attempted to require me to request permission to volunteer outside the charity, so I had that section removed before accepting.

And check that your new employer's contract doesn't require exclusivity either.

I think you'll be ok without mentioning it. A lot of people work 2 even 3 jobs to make ends meet. As long as say your main job isn't 'commercial sales director of tobacco firm' and your weekend job is 'healthy-lungs campaign assistant'.

As previous posters have said local authorities usually have a policy in declaring second jobs. For example there are working time directive considerations - HR will want to confirm how you plan to 'opt out' if you have two jobs.

They will probably figure it out when your tax code doesnt have the tax free element

I have a pension my tax code is used against that. One person at a previous job made it very clear she had worked out how much my pension was.

I work for an LA. We definitely have a policy on 2nd jobs, it depends on main role and what second job is, plus seniority. I technically could ask my manager for approval to get a second job, but I very much doubt it would be granted.

If you're sure you're allowed to without having to ask or declare then go ahead. But I would check with HR first, and reread your contract.

Ah okay then. Thanks. I think I’ll give HR a buzz to ask then.

Depends what is in your workplace policies - I'm an NHS employee and we have to disclose conflicts of interest (including second jobs).

Lots of people have second jobs. I see no reason to inform your employer unless there is a problem with hours overlapping or something.

* I'd be surprised if a local authority doesn't have a policy on second jobs. Double and triple check your HR policies on your intranet.*

^This

We all had to fill in a form stating if we worked anywhere else, so I’d assume you do have to tell them.

I have two second jobs- both very low hours.
I filled in a form at my main job to declare these, and I am well within my rights to do them.
I am sure lots of people do it.

They need to know OP. There’s legislation that limits people to work less than 48 hours a week (across all paid employment you do), certain roles are exempt.

Technically, as your primary employer they would need to adjust your working week if you exceeded the maximum hours unless you had opted out.