Microjobs are gaining popularity in the UK as a way to earn extra income, with some workers reportedly making up to an additional £1,000 a month for just two hours of work per day. These small, task-based assignments pay on a piece-rate basis rather than a traditional hourly rate, offering flexibility for those balancing work, studies, or family commitments.
Rise of Digital Platform Work
Data from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) shows the proportion of the UK workforce engaging in digital platform work at least once a week has more than doubled in recent years. Microjobs can involve digital, highly repetitive tasks or short-term physical activities.
Employment website Indeed.com noted: "Pursuing microjobs allows individuals to work as independent contractors to perform small tasks and temporary work. You can use these jobs to earn extra money as a side income or gain experience and skills as you work to advance your career."
Five Microjob Options
Here are five microjobs, as reported by The Sun, that could help boost your income.
Rent out your stuff: Platforms like Hygglo let you hire out items such as carpet cleaners, pressure washers, projectors, and power tools. Electronics, cameras, and specialised cinema equipment typically rent for £30 to £100, while a JBL party speaker could earn up to £80 for 24 hours. Some people use Facebook Marketplace for better rental rates.
Stitching: Selling handmade items like clothes, curtains, and cushions online via Facebook or eBay can earn up to £25 an hour. With a sewing machine, pins, needles, and thread, working two hours a day, five days a week could yield £1,000 a month.
Share your views: Market research companies like Saros Research, Angelfish Opinions, and Research Opinions pay for opinions on brands and shopping habits. Short online tasks (5 minutes to an hour) pay between 50p and £25, one-hour telephone interviews around £75, and longer focus groups (1-2 hours) between £40 and £150. Four one-hour telephone interviews a month could earn around £300.
Online tutoring: Websites like MyTutor allow you to teach subjects including Maths, History, English, and French, earning between £13 and £120 an hour with no experience required.
Pick up the phone: Telephone mystery shopping involves posing as a customer to test businesses like estate agents, insurance firms, or hotels. After filling a short online report, you get paid around £5 to £15 per call. Companies offering this work include iShopforIpsos, Mystery Shoppers Ltd, Tern Consultancy, and JKS Mystery Shopping, with potential earnings of up to £60 for four calls a month.
