Almost half of UK workers have worked cash-in-hand, according to a survey by recruitment agency review website www.Hirescores.com.

The research reveals that hairdressers were most likely to earn extra cash (73%), followed by mechanics with 67% saying they had worked on someone’s car outside of work. 

The full top 10 professions are:

1.    Hairdressers 73%

2.    Mechanics 67%

3.    Plumbers 65%

4.    Decorators 59%

5.    Beauticians 53%

6.    Electricians 49%

7.    Carpenters 48%

8.    Brick layers 46%

9.    Personal trainers 39%

10.  IT technicians 37%

Lisette Howlett, managing director of Hirescores.co.uk, says: “I’m not surprised that more and more people are using their trades outside of work to make some extra money, with so many people struggling to make ends meet.

“However, it is important to stress that it is against the law to do this for ‘cash-in-hand’, could have serious insurance, or health and safety implications and I would strongly suggest people didn’t do so. People assume they won’t get caught but it is happening more often than you think.”