Almost a quarter of UK workers fiddle their expenses

27 February 2007
Almost a quarter of UK workers fiddle their expenses

Nearly a quarter (22%) of British workers regularly fiddle their expenses, according to new research by budget hotel group Travelodge.

A survey of 4,000 UK workers revealed that, on average, employees over-claim on their expenses by around £15 per month, equating to around £175 a year.

Men were the worst culprits, with 27% admitting to the scam, while the fairer sex remained less likely to rip of their employers, with only 18% on the fiddle.

Nearly half (46%) of those questioned believed swindling expense claims was a legitimate way of making extra cash, while just 7% said they felt guilty about inventing claims.

More bizarrely perhaps, were some of the bogus claims Travelodge's research discovered had been made. They include a pregnancy kit after a one night stand, condoms, neutering a cat, a hamster for a son's birthday present, a Masonic door knocker, dancing lessons, a Gucci watch and a family trip to Disney World.

Guy Parsons, Travelodge chief operating officer, said: "Our research certainly highlights some outrageous flouting of expenses claiming policies but it is everyday claims that are being manipulated on a more regular basis. Extra mileage claims or the odd bottle of wine whilst entertaining can really rack up a business' bill over the year."

The top 10 most popular claims highlighted within the research were:

  • Petrol
  • Train tickets
  • Food and drink
  • Car parking
  • Hotels
  • Mobile phone bill
  • Plane tickets
  • Wining and dining clients
  • Newspapers
  • Laundry

Lyons report held back till Spring >>

Government must change strategy to benefit from Olympics >>

Dubai Investment company buys Travelodge for £675m >>

Travelodge website >>

By Emily Manson

E-mail your comments to Emily Manson](mailto:emily.manson@rbi.co.uk?subject=Almost a quarter of UK workers fiddle their expenses) here.

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