23 February 2024 , 13:47
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Google searches for 'how to make money fast' have rocketed by 868% in the UK, according to data analysis.
This surge happened a day after it was announced that Britain's economy had fallen into a recession at the end of last year, as confirmed by the Office for National Statistics. The research by coupon site Bravo Voucher shows that searches increased over nine times the average volume in the past week.
This increase appears to show that more people are looking for ways to boost their income as living costs continue to rise. Searches for 'side hustle', a term often used for an extra job, and 'passive income' also saw massive increases, with jumps of 856% and 790% respectively.
The data also showed that some homeowners are considering selling their properties, with searches for 'sell my house' increasing by 287%, three times the usual amount in just one week. Earlier this month the Office for National Statistics reported that the gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.3% from October to December.
This is a bigger drop than the 0.1% decline seen in the previous quarter, marking a second consecutive fall. The ONS estimates that GDP only grew by a tiny 0.1% in 2023, the smallest increase since the financial crisis in 2009.
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As families across the country look for additional ways to earn money, searches for 'how to make money online' have also soared, with an increase of 819% in the past week. Marco Farnararo, CEO and Co-Founder of Bravo Voucher, said: "The number of Britons looking to make extra cash on top of a full-time job is rising due to the cost of living, inflation, and economic recession. Pay isn't keeping up with prices, so households find creative ways to make ends meet.
"The situation may sound dire, but passion projects can become lucrative ways to increase savings and, in some cases, lead to fulfilling careers that replace existing jobs."