British workers are claiming more than £1 billion a year in false expenses.

A survey comissioned by Travelodge found that the top staff scam was to ask for extra taxi receipts and then claim back on the false receipts.

Other common claims include claiming untravelled business mileage and entertaining clients in cheap restaurants and then dining in an expensive venue and submitting the more expensive receipt as expenses.

Travelodge found that the average worker takes home an extra £17 for every month they claim, with 60% of managers letting them get away with it.

Employees’ extravagent claims have also included luxury holidays, plastic surgery, lapdancers and a goat (for charity).

Guy Parsons, Travelodge chief operating officer, said: “Even tweaks on everyday claims such as taxis, mileage and the odd bottle of wine can really rack up a business bill over the year.

“This is the ideal time for employers to adopt a low-cost culture, starting by reviewing their expenses policy.”