The number of people launching their own business alongside their main job has risen to 450k, up 40% from 2016.
That is according to a survey by business assistance service alldayPA that showed one-fifth of entrepreneurs keep their primary job when launching a start-up.
The survey of 500 small businesses found 21% of start-ups launched in the past 12 months were secondary jobs for the founders.
According to HMRC 1.2m Brits officially have second jobs to boost their income, which has risen from 1.05m people in 2007.
The survey showed people utilise mobile technology to be able to keep on top of emails and business demands whilst working their primary job.
The most common demographic for start-ups are men between 25 and 34 years old and the most common sector to launch a second job business in is the digital services sector.
Reuben Singh chief executive of PA service provider alldayPA said: “This is a trend the government should be reacting to by cutting red tape for second job start-ups and simplifying the tax structure to help balance PAYE with self-employment and dividend payments.
“Such businesses may start small, but they may be major sources of employment and income, for years to come.”
