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

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By Emily Manson

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