Start with service policy
Check whether approval or disclosure is required and whether the proposed work conflicts with public duties, information access, uniform use or availability. On-call commitments may also restrict when other work is realistic.
Treat fatigue as a safety issue
Night work, overtime and emergency response already challenge recovery. Look at the total pattern across employers, commuting and sleep rather than hours on paper alone. Raise concerns before the arrangement becomes unsafe.
Plan tax without myths
A second job does not automatically face a special tax rate, but HMRC may allocate tax codes across employments. Keep both payslips and check the personal tax account if deductions look wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Must a firefighter tell the service about another job?
Follow the employer’s secondary-employment policy; disclosure or approval is commonly required.
Will a second job always be taxed at 20%?
Not necessarily. PAYE depends on total income and the tax codes allocated to each employment.