Over a third of UK workers are regularly paid late by their employer, according to new research.

The survey found 36% of staff are paid late at least five times a year and 68% claim they have been paid the wrong amount on more than one occasion.

"These figures are surprising and demonstrate the unreliability that employees are facing," said Nick Williams-Howes, chief executive of Smartflow, which carried out the research.

"Most individuals revolve all their monthly payments around their payday and without a guaranteed payment, many can be left without the cash they need to pay regular outgoings, such as utility bills, council tax and rent."

Many companies had cut back on staff in their payroll departments and were suffering from cashflow problems as a result, he added.