Study shows large numbers of Britons now have extra jobs or side jobs

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almost one fifth people pass through U.K. Currently working on a Extra work or “side hustle”new research shows.

a survey commissioned scottish widow The study found that 17% of women and 18% of men are pursuing these additional careers.

For women, Buy and resell on online platforms This has proven to be an especially popular way to generate extra income. Meanwhile, men, Often choose freelancing Such as designing, writing, or pet care to raise extra funds.

The study highlights clear differences in how these incomes are used: individuals with lower incomes often rely on side income to cover daily living expenses, while those with higher incomes are more likely to save or invest additional funds.

These findings stem from yugev The survey, conducted in August 2025, surveyed more than 2,500 people aged 18 to 50 across the UK. Susan Hope, savings expert at Scottish Widows, comments: “Whatever your circumstances, a side hustle is a practical way to supplement your income.”

Ms. Hope also offers advice on long-term benefits: “Investing your side hustle income is a smart way to make your money work harder for you and achieve long-term growth, helping you achieve your long-term financial goals.”

Scottish Widows says men are more likely than women to have a side job (Peter Byrne/PA)
Scottish Widows says men are more likely than women to have a side job (Peter Byrne/PA) (Public Broadcasting Archives)

She added that this approach “could also help more people build financial resilience to deal with life’s unexpected costs,” concluding: “It’s just a small amount of money that adds up over time.”

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it appears after Research published by job search website CV-Library It has been revealed that taking a second job in the evenings or weekends can significantly increase annual earnings by up to £40,000, with Uber drivers, personal trainers and yoga instructors thought to be the top earners.

In addition to this, popular side hustles include virtual assistant roles, online tutoring, copywriting, dog walking, and translation.

Katie Emerton of CV-Library commented on this trend, saying: “Side hustles are no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’, they are becoming a core part of how people manage their finances.”

“Flexible roles not only help people protect their income, they also allow people to upskill and explore other career paths. The key is to find a role that suits your lifestyle.”