'I live in survival mode': The rise of the multi-job workforce
Summary
More than one million people in the UK have second jobs due to rising living costs, insecure work, and changes in industries. Many workers combine multiple jobs or gig work (short-term contracts or freelance) to make ends meet and manage financial insecurity.Key Facts
- About 1.3 million people in the UK currently hold second jobs, slightly down from a record high in 2025.
- Rising costs and job insecurity push workers into multiple jobs or gig economy roles such as food delivery, freelance design, and online selling.
- UK unemployment recently rose to 5%, while job vacancies are at a five-year low.
- Billy-Jo Pierce works 50-60 hours weekly across different jobs to cover living costs in Bristol, one of the UK's most expensive cities.
- Pierce had a first-class degree but struggled to find work in her field and now runs a cosmetic teeth decoration business while working other jobs.
- The cost of materials in the beauty industry has increased by over 90% in the last decade.
- Freelance graphic designer Engy Elboreini says AI and design tools like Canva have reduced demand for her traditional design work.
- Many workers feel that relying on a single employer is no longer secure and are diversifying their income sources.
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