The prevalence of staff holding multiple jobs within the public sector, often referred to as “polygamous working,” has prompted urgent action from authorities as they strive to uphold the integrity of public services. This issue, which has reportedly escalated alongside the rise of remote work, raises important questions about employment contracts, worker satisfaction, and the ethical implications of such practices.
A Worrying Trend
The Cabinet Office has revealed that since 2016, their national anti-fraud initiative has identified 301 employees engaged in polygamous working, leading to the recovery of £1.35 million in fraudulent salary payments. One notable case involved a council worker who was convicted of fraud for simultaneously holding two full-time positions at different London councils. As local councils and the government seek to combat this trend, the implications for public services and taxpayer accountability remain significant.
Imtiaz Shams, now a CEO in the tech industry, shared his own experience of working multiple jobs during a gap year. Employed as a finance assistant in the public sector, he supplemented his income with a clandestine private sector role. Reflecting on this period, he stated, “My job was boring… I was on Reddit all day,” attributing his decision to seek additional work to both a lack of engagement and inadequate pay. “I shouldn’t have worked there but I wasn’t paid well enough to feel bad,” he admitted, highlighting the financial struggles many public sector workers face.
The Legal Landscape
While engaging in multiple jobs is not inherently illegal, it can lead to serious repercussions depending on the specific terms outlined in employment contracts. Kaajal Nathwani, an employment lawyer, elaborates on the complexities of this issue, noting that while polygamous working is a growing trend—often promoted on social media—it may violate contractual obligations and lead to gross misconduct charges.
Nathwani emphasises that this practice differs from “moonlighting,” which typically involves taking on side work without the primary employer’s knowledge, usually during evening hours. She warns that multiple jobholders may inadvertently breach confidentiality agreements or fail to fulfil their responsibilities adequately, raising concerns over their commitment to their primary role.
Government Response to Fraud
The government has acknowledged the importance of addressing polygamous working, particularly as it affects vital public services funded by taxpayers. “The government owes it to them to ensure decency and respect, and to hold every single person who cheats the system to account,” stated a government representative. The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) plays a crucial role in identifying these discrepancies by matching payroll, pension, and benefits data to uncover inconsistencies.
In the current financial year, 13 cases of polygamous working have been uncovered, resulting in recoverable savings of £113,000. Barnet Council, a pilot for the NFI, has actively prosecuted individuals for fraud, including a notable case in which a worker was found to be employed full-time across two councils. Simon Radford, Barnet’s Cabinet member for Financial Sustainability, has described polygamous working as “a waste of taxpayers’ money,” asserting that such practices will not be tolerated.
The Broader Implications
The issue of polygamous working raises broader questions about the remuneration and working conditions within the public sector. Many employees, as highlighted by Shams, feel compelled to seek additional income due to insufficient salaries. Radford has countered this view, arguing that Barnet Council’s pay is competitive, and that fraudulent practices will be met with strict enforcement regardless of the employee’s position within the organisation.
Concerns have also been raised about transparency and efficiency in the public sector, with politicians calling for improved monitoring of second jobs among civil service employees. Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons reinforced this commitment, stating that ongoing data-matching efforts are being expanded to tackle the issue more aggressively.
Why it Matters
The rise of polygamous working within the public sector underscores the urgent need for reforms in employment practices and compensation structures. As more individuals seek additional income to meet living costs, the integrity of public services and the trust of taxpayers are at stake. Addressing this issue is not just about enforcing regulations; it is also about creating a fairer work environment that values and compensates public sector workers appropriately. The government’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud must be balanced with initiatives that address the root causes of financial strain among workers.
