A new survey has revealed the majority of tradesmen have side jobs to make ends meet…
In a survey of over 1,000 builders, plumbers, and carpenters nearly all admitted they undertake ‘hobbles’ or side jobs alongside their main role.
The survey, carried out by constructaquote.com, asked respondents whether their employers were happy they were working on the side. Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) said it wasn’t an issue, but 10 per cent reported their employers did not approve. More than two thirds (67 per cent) said they had not asked for permission from their boss before undertaking a job on the side.
It is hardly surprising so many tradesmen are taking on side jobs, given 38 per cent of respondents said they received no extra pay for working unsociable hours such as evenings, weekends or bank holidays.
Lyndon Wood, CEO and founder of constructaquote.com, said: “The old ‘obble’ is still the routine for most construction workers, and with a third not getting overtime, who can blame them?
“I’m not surprised that they’re opting to work on the hobble, because something needs to compensate for the lack of overtime, even if 10 per cent of employers aren’t happy about it.
“Let’s not forget that most tradespeople work weekends as well, and I would hardly call working on the hobble a perk, but at least it’s another way to make money and build business”.
