British workers are costing businesses more than 1 billion a year on bogus expense claims, according to a new survey.

Nearly half (43%) of respondents to the Travelodge report believe that swindling their expense claims is a legitimate way of making extra cash. It is thought that the typical worker pockets an extra £17 a month through false claims. This works out at £9,078 over a working lifetime.

In spite of this widespread fraud, only 8% of employees have been caught and sacked, and 60% of managers have let their team members get away with making false claims.

The spurious claims range from plastic surgery, a new car, a diamond engagement ring, escorts, council tax, Viagra to a goat and a pet hamster for the office. 

“With the new financial year fast approaching this is the ideal time for employers to adopt a low-cost culture, starting by reviewing their expenses policy,” says Guy Parsons, chief operating officer at Travleodge.