Less than one in 10 of Britain’s workers discuss their salary with their colleagues, according to research released today.

Only 7% of workers surveyed by the Institute of Payroll Professionals say they have told colleagues what they earn - but over 90% discuss it with partners, families and friends.

The research also shows that almost seven in 10 (68%) would rather tell a colleague that they fancied someone at work, they stole food from the fridge or they used their phone to make personal international calls than what they earn.

Maurice Cheng, chief executive of the Institute of Payroll Professionals, said: “Britain’s bosses should be pleased with these findings as there is less opportunity for employees to feel dissatisfied or undervalued in comparison to their peers. However, it is still important that employers keep in touch with their staff and regularly assess how happy they are with their current pay."