Can a Skilled Worker take a second job? Yes — within strict limits called “supplementary employment”. Get it wrong and it counts as unauthorised work. This 2026 guide explains what’s allowed, the 20-hour cap, the July 2025 changes, and when you need a new sponsor.
The basic rule
Alongside your main sponsored job you can do up to 20 hours a week of supplementary employment — but only outside your contracted hours, and you must keep doing your main role.
What second jobs are allowed?
The extra job must meet one of these:
- it’s a higher-skilled eligible occupation code; or
- it’s on the Immigration Salary List; or
- it’s in the same sector and at the same level as your main job.
The 22 July 2025 changes
Workers first sponsored before 22 July 2025 (with continuous permission since) can still take medium-skilled supplementary work. Those granted permission after 22 July 2025 generally can’t take lower-level roles unless they’re the same as the main job.
When you need a new sponsor
If a second job doesn’t fit the supplementary categories, you must get a new Certificate of Sponsorship before you start it. Exceeding the 20-hour cap — even by accident — is treated as unauthorised employment and can lead to your visa being curtailed or future applications refused, so keep clear records of your hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Skilled Worker take a second job?
Yes — up to 20 hours a week of supplementary employment, alongside your main sponsored job.
What second jobs are allowed?
One that’s a higher-skilled eligible occupation, on the Immigration Salary List, or in the same sector and at the same level as your main job.
Can I do it during my main job’s hours?
No — supplementary work must be outside your contracted hours, and you must keep doing your main role.
What changed on 22 July 2025?
Workers sponsored before then (continuously) can still do medium-skilled supplementary work; those sponsored after generally can’t do lower-level roles unless they match the main job.
What if my second job doesn’t qualify?
You need a new Certificate of Sponsorship before starting it.
What happens if I break the rules?
Exceeding 20 hours or doing non-permitted work is unauthorised employment and can lead to your visa being curtailed.
