How do employers feel about moonlighters?
The majority of employers will not have a problem with you doing other work in your own time unless you plan to moonlight for a competitor or do something illegal…

Professions that are particularly security sensitive such as the Defence and the Police Force could potentially object to you working outside of your agreed working hours.

If you are considering taking another job you should talk it through with your current employer. However, bear in mind that he/she may not be all that impressed if you do not mention it and then they find you serving them fly soup in a restaurant.

Employers are often more than happy to employ moonlighters. A programmer or designer who has a full-time job makes a more attractive hire than an unemployed temp worker.

Many employers prefer to have work done after hours than to hire a temp worker, there is less paperwork and no middleman. Lots of temp workers need a certain number of hours. Moonlighters say: "Call me when you need me."

Tax issues
A common fear of people considering taking another job is the tax implications. You should you ask for form P46, but do not tick statements A,B or C or sign the declaration.

Instead, complete the bottom section headed 'Employee'. If you do not want your new employer to see details of your other employment, then you can return it directly to the Inland Revenue.

With more than one job, tax will be deducted at the basic rate (currently 22%) by all but your first employer, even if you are earning below the lower earnings threshold.

If you have more than one job and you earn less than your personal allowance (basic personal allowance for 2000/2001 is £4,385) you should ask your tax office to split the allowance between your positions.