One in five UK workers surveyed (21%) now hold more than one job, with younger workers particularly impacted as 42% of Gen Z workers surveyed say they are juggling multiple roles. That’s according to Employment Hero, with findings from its inaugural global Annual Jobs Report showing people are increasingly turning to second jobs as a financial survival strategy in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures and a slowing labour market.
The new report reveals the latest trends in the UK employment sector. The UK 2025 data is drawn from aggregated insights from more than 350,000 small businesses and 2 million employees in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, alongside a YouGov survey of 3,635 workers.
This multiple job trend is true even among those already in full time employment; 17% are holding down additional jobs. Meanwhile, almost a third (29%) of all workers surveyed say they have taken on extra hours simply to cope with rising costs.
Once seen as a way to explore passions or build skills, side hustles have become an essential financial buffer for millions. This trend reflects a workforce under strain, adapting to rising costs, falling confidence and fewer opportunities in the job market.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK Managing Director at Employment Hero, said: “Our data shows how the side hustle has transformed from a choice into a necessity. One in five UK workers now hold multiple jobs, and almost a third are working longer hours just to keep up with rising everyday costs.”
