Low Pay Drives Rise in Secret Second Jobs Across Public Sector

Efforts to clamp down on public sector employees secretly working multiple jobs are intensifying, as authorities respond to growing concern that remote working has made the practice easier to hide. Known as polygamous working, the trend involves holding two or more roles during the same working hours without employer knowledge. While not automatically illegal, it can breach employment contracts and in some cases amount to fraud. Government data shows hundreds of cases have been uncovered in recent years, with significant sums recovered. Officials argue the issue goes beyond contract breaches, raising questions about fairness, accountability and the proper use of taxpayer funded salaries. Critics say the phenomenon reflects deeper structural problems in public sector employment, including low pay, limited progression and reduced oversight since the expansion of home working. The issue has increasingly drawn attention from councils and central government departments seeking to protect public trust and service standards.

Some former public sector workers say low wages and lack of stimulation are key drivers behind taking on undisclosed second jobs. One former finance assistant described automating most daily tasks early on, leaving long periods of unstructured time while earning a modest salary that barely covered living costs in London. He admitted taking on private sector contract work during office hours, arguing he felt little incentive to remain loyal to a role that paid poorly and offered limited challenge. Now working in the private tech sector, he says employers there are more accepting of side projects as long as performance targets are met. He believes the issue is especially acute among council and social care staff who struggle to afford housing and basic expenses in the capital. In his view, enforcement focuses disproportionately on lower and middle income workers while senior figures are less likely to face scrutiny.

Legal experts note that polygamous working occupies a grey area, but warn employees can face dismissal or prosecution if they breach contract terms or undermine trust. Public sector bodies argue the impact on services is serious, particularly where roles involve safeguarding vulnerable people or delivering essential services. Councils participating in national fraud monitoring schemes say home working has made it harder to track availability and productivity, leading to abuse by a minority of staff. Government ministers insist that cracking down on multiple salary claims is essential to maintaining confidence in public institutions. They point to expanded data matching between payroll, pension and benefits systems as evidence of a tougher approach. Opposition figures have accused the government of weak oversight, while ministers say further measures are planned to detect and deter hidden second jobs more aggressively.