Can an employer stop you having a second job?

[HJisgoingtogoBOOM]

I work 18 hours a week and want to get a casual job to top up us financially. I'm looking for something in a different field so it doesnt clash with my current job.There's no chance of extra money from this job just lots of unpaid o/t.

My contact says my manager has to be informed if I get a second job. I'm worried they will object as I've been very stressed lately ( mainly due to that job although some personal stuff as well).

Unfortunately, yes they can. I have it written into my contract too that I need written permission to do this. However, I've not yet known anyone be denied permission.

Yes, I know people with it in their contracts

Mine doesn't & it's v common for people with my employer to work a couple of places. Just concerned they might say no.

Sorry doesn't ask for 'permission' just 'notification'.

I have known instances where this has been denied but usually on the grounds that there were conflicts of interest. If it affected the first job (working day time full time and 2nd job involved night shifts for example) I imagine that wouldn't be allowed. What kind of work were you thinking of?

Bar/cinema are what I've looked so far.

If it just asks for notification then you're fine. They can say they don't approve, but you just politely say "Very sorry, but I need to earn more each week than I am getting in this job alone" Repeat when required until they get the message - you really do not need to say any more. They can't stop you working if all that's in the contract is 'notification'.

There are a couple of potential issues to be aware of:

1. if there were any future redundancies and peoples' flexibility to do extra/different hours were taken into account, then this may count against you
2. if you have worked for less than 12 months then you can be dismissed for any (non-discriminatory) reason, so if this is the case then you will need to take their concerns into account and ask permission.
3. To ensure continuing good relations with your boss, you may want to see what they think about any new role offered before deciding whether or not to accept it.