Jobs: Making ends meet by working round the clock

Millions of cash strapped Brits are supplementing their nine-to-five incomes by also burning the nighttime oil by working in the period five-to-nine.

According to research from Direct Line Home Business Insurance, more than three million Britons have held a second job in the past six months and a further 1.5 million have launched their own business to supplement the income from their primary job.

The research found 36 per cent of people have undertaken additional activities in the past six months to increase their earnings, with 11.5 million (24 per cent) people making extra money online, potentially selling merchandise through online auction sites or taking on freelance design work.

Approximately 800,000 people have launched local businesses in their local area to earn extra income in the past six months.

On average Brits who have taken on additional work to boost their bank balance are pocketing almost £2,536 a year.

Direct Line Home Business Insurance’s research reveals more tha two million people are clocking up at least 18 hours a week through second jobs or extra work.

Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line Home Business Insurance said: “Many people are exploring creative avenues to make extra money. People are looking to supplement their monthly income be it selling online, freelancing, or starting their own business. Some will be building up their own companies at home while maintaining the security of a regular income before making the switch to being a full time business owner and manager.”

Most extra earnings are made in the evenings, with 55 per cent working ‘five to nine’ after completing their day jobs. Weekends (39 per cent) and later on after the family have gone to bed (26 per cent) are the next most popular working hours.

But Jazz added a note of professional caution. He said: “Many people may not realise if they are completing additional work from home, they may need specialist home business insurance because they may not be covered by their home policy.”

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