Second job to make up wages during Coronavirus

Vinoire

Would it be ok to get a second temporary job to top up your income while being paid 80% of wages for your main job that you cannot do?

calcotti

There is nothing in the information available to date that excludes this.
You should check whether your contract of employment allows you to carry out other work.
You might also wish to consider whether there are those less fortunate who will be more desperate for any available work.
Bear in mind also that 80% is the subsidy available to the employer should they choose to apply for it, they can pay more if they wish. Also note that if you are paid 80% of your gross salary you will be getting more than 80% of your net salary (after tax, NI and pension deductions).

7Phil

Good question. The benefit is paid to businesses to retain employees and not direct to you so there shouldn't be any reason why not but it may come down to employment T&Cs with your main job.
I'd check with your HR first.
The next point is what 2nd job you can get in these circumstances. It might need to be a job you can both get and do while working from home. 
Or it might need to be in essential services like a delivery driver or at the supermarket or pharmacy, care home etc.. Is that the type of thing you were thinking? 
You won't be allowed to head out job hunting in general.