From side hustles to retraining, seven tips to get through the cost-of-living crisis

TAX rises and rocketing inflation are making it much tougher for all of us to earn a living.

Seven in ten employees are now worried about paying for essentials, according to a new report from HR firm Personio, while a quarter of firms feel they can’t do anything more to support staff through the cost-of-living crisis.

So if you’re struggling, here’s our guide for getting through these tough times.

SECURE A PAY RISE: It’s the fastest way to bring in more money — but you’ll need to prove why you deserve it.

Gather evidence on how you have exceeded your targets.

See bit.ly/3UHGM2n for more tips.

FIND A BETTER PAID JOB: Check salary comparison sites such as Glassdoor to see if you can earn more at another firm.

Update your CV and reach out on LinkedIn.

TRY TEMPING: Temporary work is a quick way to rake in cash — and you may be able to fit it in around a main job.

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GO GIG: Instead of a set wage, you get paid for each “gig” that you perform, such as delivering food or driving a taxi journey.

You can usually choose the hours you work and scale these up when you need more money.

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BECOME AN E-TAILER: Selling online can bring in almost instant cash — eBay is a good option for reaching a global market, while Etsy allows you to sell handmade goods.

Depop and Vinted specialise in clothing.

SET UP A SIDE HUSTLE: A third of young professionals under 24 have a side hustle, says recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

From dog-walking to tutoring, pick something you enjoy so it feels less like extra work.

See

XMAS party snub

HARD-PRESSED staff are saying bah humbug to the office Christmas party and asking for cash bonuses instead.

Ninety-four per cent would prefer their firms to use the festive party budget to help staff through the cost-of living crisis.

Craig Bines, CEO of job site CareerWallet, which carried out the research, said: “For many businesses, rewarding staff with a Christmas party may not be as well received as expected, with many focused on increasing their salaries as much as possible to cover costs.”

Perks at prison

AFTER a new home? Apply to become a prison officer.

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has launched a relocation scheme offering applicants paid accommo-dation for up to three years, plus a free trip back to their home town each month.

The programme is open to people applying for their first prison officer role in one of 26 selected jails.

You don’t need qualifications but will have to demonstrate good communication and influencing skills.

Salaries range from £30,702 to £34,202 for a 39-hour week.

Officer Mica, who works at HMP Portland in Dorset, said: “We’re all here because we want to help rehabilitate prisoners.”

Apply by November 29 at