Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, confirmed there are no legal restrictions preventing individuals from holding multiple jobs in Fiji. This clarification was made in response to a question from Akanisi Veikoso during the Fiji Development Bank’s Post Budget Consultation in Nadi.
Veikoso had proposed that the government should ease market regulations to help people earn additional income, potentially reaching the $30,000 tax threshold. In his remarks, Professor Prasad emphasized that aside from civil servants, there is no law that forbids individuals from working multiple jobs. He noted that if someone desires to work in a hotel for eight hours and then take on an additional three-hour shift at a supermarket, they are perfectly free to do so.
While some companies may have internal policies that restrict employees from taking on additional work, there are no overarching legal barriers. “So, if you work Monday to Friday in a hotel, Saturday you are not working there, you can go and work for somebody else and get an additional income,” he stated.
This concept aligns with the ongoing discussions regarding wage policies and the growing need for diversification of income sources amid economic challenges. Previous announcements from Prasad regarding minimum wage stability indicate a broader awareness of labor market dynamics. There is hope that these discussions might lead to a more flexible job market that can better support the financial wellbeing of individuals in Fiji.
Further, as the country grapples with rising costs of living, the ability for workers to supplement their income through multiple positions could foster economic resilience. By encouraging such employment opportunities, Fiji may pave the way for enhanced economic stability, benefitting both workers and businesses alike. This encourages a positive outlook for the workforce, highlighting opportunities for individuals to create sustainable livelihoods even in challenging economic environments.
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