In today’s economy, with unemployment running at an historically all-time high rate of 9.5 percent nationally and 8.3 percent in Maine, many workers are needing to take on second jobs. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, in June 2009, 5.1 percent of American workers held multiple jobs.
Although employers certainly are permitted to bar their employees from moonlighting or accepting outside employment, most employers generally do not prohibit their employees from working second or even third jobs. However, prudent employers should adopt policies that impose reasonable guidelines and restrictions on moonlighting ....