Getting A Second Job - Do I Need To Tell My Current Employer?

baileywin

I'm currently working for a large national electrical retailer part time, and i'm looking for more work which they can't offer - I was looking for a job in the same field, however I wondered if I had to tell me current employers?

I don't want to use them as a reference, and tbh I'm sure they'd sack me if they found out as i'm fairly sure it says in my contract that I can't - but do I have to tell them?

I've never seen my employee handbook or signed any contract paperwork but i've been there for nearly a year now - So I really don't know what to do. I'd rather work for another company, but I won't throw away a job while I have it, thus why I'd want to do 2.

mountainofdebt

Some employers state that you have to get permission first, others don't so it really depends on what the staff handbook states.

Just a thought though, your employers are less likely to object if you get a 2nd job in a different field, say bar work as they make see working for a competitor as a conflict of interests.

Pee

If it says in your contract that you can't, then no, you don't have to tell them, but presumably you will be dismissed if they ever find out. I would have thought a tax office problem/ question may cause them to be notified.

I've known employers refuse to let people do bar work as they say they will be too tired to do their day job properly.

baileywin

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Some employers state that you have to get permission first, others don't so it really depends on what the staff handbook states.

That would be great - if i've ever seen my staff handbook.

Pee wrote: »

If it says in your contract that you can't, then no

I've never seen or signed a contract.

PlutoinCapricorn

There are several issues here:

If you are currently working part time, then your employer should realise that you may need a 2nd job to increase your income: contracts of employment that say that you should ask permission before taking on other work usually apply only to full-time employees. I really don't see that getting a 2nd job is a problem in theory.

Getting work in the same field may mean that you are helping a rival company, which could mean that your employer loses business. Getting work in the same field could mean using your employer's facilities, which is not very ethical. Getting work in a different field e.g. evening bar work could mean that you are too tired to concentrate on your main job. I have seen an example of this, and the employee was asked not to work in the evenings as it was obviously having a detrimental effect on her work;

-

zzzLazyDaisy

If you have never seen a copy of the employee handbook, then you should ask for one. Ditto your contract.

You say that you have never signed your contract, but that is irrelevant, by continuing to work for the employer you are deemed to have accepted the contract. You are aware that your contract covers seconds jobs, and saying that you have not signed the contract does not mean that you can ignore it.

You run the risk of losing your job if your employer finds out - and if the second job is in the same field, and the same locality, there is at least a risk that they will find out.

baileywin

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

You are aware that your contract covers seconds jobs, and saying that you have not signed the contract does not mean that you can ignore it.

I'm just geussing - i've never seen it! My employers are weasely scumbags so nothing would suprise me...

I've asked to see a copy but always told that I don't need to sign it as I've already accepted it buy turning up to work - but i have no idea what it says!

brians_daughter

if you are looking for work in the same field ie you work for comet but want to also work for currys etc then i imagine issues would arise. If you work for comet but wanted to work for say jjb sports i cant see an issue as long as it doesnt impact current role. But i imagine they would need to know as another poster said HMRC may even contact them re tax issues etc re 2 roles... its been known!

brians_daughter

and you are entitled for a copy of contract and handbook!! Ask your boss for them! AGAIN lol.

zzzLazyDaisy

brians_daughter wrote: »

and you are entitled for a copy of contract and handbook!! Ask your boss for them! AGAIN lol.

Absolutely. The employer is obliged by law to provide you with written terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of commencement of employment. If the T&C's refer to other documents such as an employee handbook they must also tell you where this is kept and provide a copy on request, although most will provide a copy at the same time as the written particulars.

You have said that your employer is a national company - so you should contact the HR department, as it is their job to deal with such requests.

If you continue to have problems obtaining copies of your contractual documentation you should telephone ACAS who can contact your employer on your behalf.

ohreally

Two other potential issues i can see are, you have a duty of fidelity towards your employer and that of working time compliance eg maximum working hours and appropriate rest breaks.