Starting a 2nd job - will my employer know?

Hel123

Hi
I've been told I have to ask my current employer's permission before starting a 2nd job. I didnt realise this when I accepted my 2nd job. I have now asked permission and was refused. I'm appealing this but am due to start my 2nd job next week. Is there any way my current employer will find out I have another job (through tax codes etc maybe?) while I go through the appeal? I don't want to risk losing my 2nd job by messing them around with a start date and am hoping this will be resolved through the appeal anyway.
Thanks! I'm desperate!!

Paul_Herring

Why do you need to 'ask permission' from your first employer? Are the two jobs related somehow possibly raising a conflict of interest? Is it a condition of your employment?

In direct answer to your question, no; they shouldn't be able to find out through your tax code.

Tax codes may change for many reasons, and a P2 sent to your employer should not make mention of why your tax code changed. (In previous years mine changed because I'd not paid enough tax through PAYE and/or I had significant amounts of interest, and I had a 2nd job.)

JasonLVC

In answer to your question the taxman will not tell your employer and as Paul has said, tax codes change all the time so will not be an issue. You will need to let the taxman know that you have two jobs though otherwise you'll have a nightmare with tax coding and potential future repaymnets back to the revenue.

But do be careful. Many employers don't like employees having 2nd jobs for many reasons - is it a competitor or in a similar marketplace/sector?. If so, then they'll not want you 'sharing' your knowledge outside the business.

If your contract stipulates you cannot have a 2nd job without permission and that permission is refused, if they do find out, it will be gross misconduct and you will be dismissed straight away as you've ignored your job contract terms. It is hard to keep secrets, if you have freinds at 'work' you're bound to let slip at some point what you do in your spare time or a disgruntled girlfriend/boyfriend/neighbour that knows all about you. Just be careful and never say it'll never happen.

Also, employers can worry about staff being too tired to do the job they pay you for if you've been moonlighting elsewhere and not performing well - it all comes down to the employers, there willingness to take a risk on you, etc.

Murdina

you should make sure that you complete form P46 from your second employer. This should generate code BR for you so tax is taken off at basic rate (or D0, if you are already paying at higher rates).

Do keep an eye on your codes though as it is very easy for things to go adrift when you have 2 jobs, such that you pay the wrong amount of tax.