Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Can I legally work two jobs?

I do apologise I feel I may have posted this in the wrong 'topic'.

I've recently finished studying and I've just had to move home after my relationship broke down with my ex. Now living in a quiet town opposed to a big city I was looking into working two jobs for the next few months to boost my finances and get me back on my feet.

I've been offered two jobs of which:
Monday - Saturday working 9am - 5pm
and the second:
Monday - Friday working 10pm - 0430am

The lack of sleep doesn't phase me as I'm used to working on a farm which was stupidly long hours with very little sleep time. Both the jobs are within two minutes of my house so I'd have plenty time to sleep in between the two and it would only be for few months whilst I get myself on my feet again.

But I just want to confirm... Can I legally work the two jobs? I'm quite excited at the prospect of working the two jobs!

Reply 1

Simes

Yes, you can provided neither has a clause in the contract that forbids it.

Reply 2

Roving Fish

Yes, but I'd rethink doing this. It looks like it will wear you down with the hours. You won't have any time for yourself and will be sleeping two times a day.

Are you sure that you want to do this?

Reply 3

doodle_333

the maximum number of hours you can work in a week (without signing an opt out agreement) is 48 so no, those hours would not be legal

I doubt any employer would agree to it and you can, in many places, be fired for having another job without permission - also very few employers would agree to an opt out agreement for the same reason, they want you to be giving your all to them not coming in exhausted after a night shift

Reply 4

Simes

Original post by doodle_333

the maximum number of hours you can work in a week (without signing an opt out agreement) is 48 so no, those hours would not be legal

The European Working Hours Directive restricts the number of hours an employer can impose on an employee, as an average, over a period. They do not prevent someone choosing to do those hours over multiple employers.

Original post by doodle_333

I doubt any employer would agree to it and you can, in many places, be fired for having another job without permission - also very few employers would agree to an opt out agreement for the same reason, they want you to be giving your all to them not coming in exhausted after a night shift

If it ain't in the contract, there's nothing they can do.