Crossword Genius

There's initial demand to get second jobs (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tasks

'jobs' is the definition.
('task' can be a synonym of 'job')

'there's initial demand to get second' is the wordplay.
'initial' says to take the initial letters.
'demand' becomes 'ask' ('ask' can be a synonym of 'demand').
'to get' says to put letters next to each other.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
The initial letter of 'theres' is 't'.
't'+'ask'+'s'='TASKS'

(Other definitions for tasks that I've seen before include "Missions" , "Jobs to be done" , "Chores, undertakings" , "charges" , "Chores, jobs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app