Freelancing on the side of my normal job

Flame919

Hi all,



After some advice as i'm concerned I shouldn't have accepted the work I did. I've just spotted under the gross misconduct section that if I arrange or undertake any work which could be considered competition or adversely affects the companies interest then that could be grounds for dismissal.


Now at the time I accepted and did the work as whilst the work is the same as what I currently do. The company that asked me to do the work does not compete for the same clients. However for the sake of the small amount I earned i'm thinking it just wasn't worth the risk and i've found someone at work whom I don't wholly trust knows I did said work (I'm not sure i'm convinced they wont blab to the bosses especially considering he wouldn't mind combining my job with his as works drying up a bit and it would secure his position).



As an example it would be like being an accountant for a football club but then doing freelance accountancy for a rugby club. So both sports clubs but they don't compete with each other directly.



As the phrasing states I can't do work for a company considered competition then it should be ok if I do work for that "rugby club" on the side right? I contemplated telling my boss and just letting him know it's a "one off" but wanted to be courteous and let him know but someone at work whom I trust reckons its best to stay quiet. What are your thoughts? Am I over worrying / overthinking this? There is a chance of more work but I don't think i'm going to pursue it if I'm feeling this apprehensive about it.


Thank you.

nicechap

Flame919 wrote: »

Hi all,



After some advice as i'm concerned I shouldn't have accepted the work I did. I've just spotted under the gross misconduct section that if I arrange or undertake any work which could be considered competition or adversely affects the companies interest then that could be grounds for dismissal.


Now at the time I accepted and did the work as whilst the work is the same as what I currently do. The company that asked me to do the work does not compete for the same clients. However for the sake of the small amount I earned i'm thinking it just wasn't worth the risk and i've found someone at work whom I don't wholly trust knows I did said work (I'm not sure i'm convinced they wont blab to the bosses especially considering he wouldn't mind combining my job with his as works drying up a bit and it would secure his position).



As an example it would be like being an accountant for a football club but then doing freelance accountancy for a rugby club. So both sports clubs but they don't compete with each other directly.



As the phrasing states I can't do work for a company considered competition then it should be ok if I do work for that "rugby club" on the side right? I contemplated telling my boss and just letting him know it's a "one off" but wanted to be courteous and let him know but someone at work whom I trust reckons its best to stay quiet. What are your thoughts? Am I over worrying / overthinking this? There is a chance of more work but I don't think i'm going to pursue it if I'm feeling this apprehensive about it.


Thank you.

So at least 2 work colleagues, one you trust, one you don't know about your bit on the side. How long before everyone knows?

I'd let your boss know as soon as possible and apologise profusely for your ignorance. Either that, or start looking for a new job yesterday.

Undervalued

Flame919 wrote: »

As an example it would be like being an accountant for a football club but then doing freelance accountancy for a rugby club. So both sports clubs but they don't compete with each other directly.



As the phrasing states I can't do work for a company considered competition then it should be ok if I do work for that "rugby club" on the side right?

No, wrong!

In that example it may well be that the football club would have no objection if you were to ask them.

Or, maybe they would because they may well feel that they do compete. After all, only so many people are willing to pay to watch a ball being kicked around a muddy field on a Saturday afternoon and if they choose to go to the rugby they are not at the football!

It is a common rule in many employment situations that you must ask your employer's permission before taking on any other paid work, either as a part time employee or on you own account. Even if not spelt out you still have a duty to act in your employer's best interests and it is for them, not you, to decide what does or does not compete.

TELLIT01

Your employer may consider what you have done to be competing with them for work and therefore adversely affecting them. Many companies require that you get permission before taking up any other employment whether in the same line of business or not. They want to be sure that your additional activities won't impact on your work with them.