Working in Temp Job During Annual Leave

monkey84

You will probably all think I'm slightly crazy after reading this but here goes!

I'm in the fortunate position of getting a large amount of annual leave in my job. I'm contemplating taking a week or so off work and carrying out a temp job during this time - nothing related to what I actually do, just something mindless such as data entry. The extra cash would come in useful.
I'm yet to sort out the practicalities (how I would make sure I could actually get a temp role during that exact period, what I would do regarding references etc) but if I could work it out, does any one know if there is any reason why I couldn't do this? Would I need to do anything special regarding tax etc?

Many Thanks.

scooby088

Your current employer may look unfavorably on this as they will know if you have to get a reference, also look in your contract there may be a clause stating you cannot work anywhere else whilst in the employ of your company. I presume you get holiday pay so you will infact be paying double tax and NI too.

anamenottaken

scooby088 wrote: »

Your current employer may look unfavorably on this as they will know if you have to get a reference, also look in your contract there may be a clause stating you cannot work anywhere else whilst in the employ of your company. I presume you get holiday pay so you will infact be paying double tax and NI too.

Well, it will be the same tax as if they were earning the increased amount in their regular job. However, as far as NI is concerned, the lower earnings limit would apply to the temp pay and therefore there would be two NI-free amounts. The OP would not be worse off.

Fire_Fox

What does your contract say?

Yorkie1

Do you want your current employer to know about this?

If not, how will you get round the requirement to provide an employer's reference for the second job?

As others have flagged up, I'd be surprised if your contract didn't have a rule somewhere about needing to gain permission before taking on a second job.

getmore4less

While on holiday you are still contracted for those hours you normaly work.

Second jobs on other hours subject to contractual terms.

zzzLazyDaisy

Yorkie1 wrote: »

As others have flagged up, I'd be surprised if your contract didn't have a rule somewhere about needing to gain permission before taking on a second job.

This is probably true, but the employer must not unreasonably with-hold consent, and in fact it is not unusual for people with generous holiday allowances to take other paid work occasionally.

If you only get statutory holidays, then it is likely to be reasonable for the employer to refuse permission as statutory holidays are intended to give the employee a break from work to recharge their batteries. Similarly if the second job is in a similar field and/or for a competitor, the employer may reasonably refuse consent.

OP you need to check your contract and in any case it would be prudent to speak to your manager/HR and check out what procedure you'd need to follow (if any).