Economic hardship forcing thousands into second jobs

The numbers recorded as having second jobs rose to 1.1 million for the first quarter of this year - up 9%, or 94,000, in 12 months, according to a study by The Independent. It is the highest total since 2002. Much of the rise has come since the turn of the year as tax rises, inflation and minimal pay settlements have hit household budgets. Since the start of 2011, the numbers taking on extra work has risen by 53,000. The hours worked in second jobs are also up, to an average of just under 10 a week. Although the second jobs trend predates the recession, there has been a sharp spike...