DANGER ON THE FIDDLE

Workers did £31billion worth of unpaid overtime last year, according to the TUC.

Almost five million people worked an average of more than seven hours extra a week without any additional pay.

So it’s no wonder grafters are tempted to file dodgy expenses claims as they feel they are owed a bit of extra cash.

Research by employee expense management firm Soldo found six out of 10 employees didn’t feel guilty about putting in false or inflated claims. A quarter said they deserved it due to unpaid overtime.

But it’s a dangerous route to take.

SLIPPERY

Darren Upson, vice president of small business Europe at Soldo, says: “People feel motivated to claim inflated or false expenses in response to working unpaid overtime, but it’s important not to let this become a slippery slope.

“If if becomes habitual it could lead to people losing their jobs – even though it’s perfectly reasonable to be upset about feeling left out of pocket.

“In this situation there are negative consequences for both the employee and the business.

This problem could be impacting on productivity, which is in a slump.

Unfortunately, trying to beat productivity issues – by starting work earlier, for example – only leads to increased stress, tiredness and an increased tendency to feel undercompensated.

“Businesses must start listening to employees and address these issues before they become a serious problem.”