Donating to charity via payroll giving has decreased by 50% since September 2008, according to a HR and payroll services.

Equiniti has reported that donations from individuals working for companies they work with have as much as halved during the recession, with the number of employees giving to good causes also decreasing by 12%.

However, the company believes that the reduction in size of donation, rather than a more significant decrease in the amount of individuals giving, is a positive sign for charities as the economy recovers.

Alan Foley, a director at Equiniti, said: "What is significant, and bodes well for the future, is that employees are not deserting their charities altogether and stopping donations completely; instead they are choosing to cut back, which is much more positive in the long term, as it shows an on-going commitment, but tempered by short term personal financial fears."