Britons take second jobs to heat homes

Fuel poverty has caused a 54pc rise in British workers taking second jobs.

People are looking for second jobs to help pay winter fuel bills Photo: ALAMY

British workers are being forced to take second jobs to tackle the rising cost of heating their homes this winter. PeoplePerHour.com, Europe’s biggest marketplace for online companies, has reported a 54pc rise in Britons joining its site to find extra work in the past month.

In the past six months, the website has seen an increase of 90pc in applications for second job roles, and over the past year applications have nearly tripled, rising by 177pc.

Applicants cited the rising cost of fuel as the reason for taking on extra work. Usman Bashir, from London, joined the website recently looking for a second job to help pay his fuel bills this winter.

“I already have a job but I need to earn extra money in order to pay for my utility bills," he said. "I am very worried about heating my home this winter. My last bill, which was for the summer, was £300. I shudder to think how high it will be this winter."

Xenios Thrasyvoulou, the founder of PeoplePerHour.com, said utility companies increasing their prices and profits had caused concern.

Fact 

Heart Finance are now recruiting agents throughout the United Kingdom to promote our business.

Did you know? - Every day more and more people are starting their own home based businesses to achieve flexible working hours, independence and more family time. Whatever the reason, we are sure you will agree that the Heart Finance agent opportunity is an exciting opportunity for you to work from home and build your business. You can achieve a level of success with all the backing of a franchise, only without the massive investment.

Click here to Download our agent brochure and find out more.

"The recent news of energy companies making excessive profits has made people anxious about how they will afford to heat their homes this winter. People remember how cold it was last winter and, combined with rises in the price of electricity and gas, are seriously concerned that they need more money to pay for their fuel bills.

"The British people are already making sacrifices in this age of austerity. Now they are having to undertake two jobs to afford what should be a basic human right – the right to warmth.