Despite the role of workplace expenses finding its way into the media spotlight over the last month following MPs' expense scandals, 30% of employers do not make their expense policy available to employees and 70% still rely on a paper-based process.

According to web-based expense management solution company WebExpenses, fewer than one in five organisations (17%) use software-based web expenses solutions, 8% ask staff to file claims by email and 3% do not reimburse expenses at all.

More than a quarter (26%) of organisations are planning to amend their policy for claiming on travel, hotel and meals expenses because of the recession.

James Brewis, managing director at WebExpenses, said: "It is clear there is an opportunity for organisations to reduce their travel and entertainment spend and the costs associated with processing expense claims.

"[But] our experience tells us that headcount and accounts receivable are typically the first areas of focus in the face of a downturn and that travel and entertainment are often part of the second wave of cost-saving initiatives."