Office workers shop on line

MORE than 58 per cent of workers in Warrington admit to spending more than three hours Christmas shopping online when at work.
A survey by The PC Support Group showed that Warrington firms could be loosing thousands of pounds as workers spend a record number of hours shopping online.
The survey shows that because of the credit crunch, shoppers have found price comparison sites a good way to save money, without having to reduce the number of presents they purchase.
Many have chosen to swap queuing in crowded high streets for browsing cyberspace at their desk.
The survey also showed that 42 per cent of workers said money worries had encouraged them to surf the internet to find the best prices, and only 10 per cent said they had never browsed shopping sites during office hours.
Spokesman Phil Case said: “We all want to get into the Christmas spirit at this time of year, but we have been amazed at how many workers will spend hours of office time online surfing for their perfect holiday gifts.
“While nobody wants to play Scrooge, it is important that employees remember that spending hours a week shopping online can cost their businesses huge sums of money.”
He said companies are currently being “extremely cautious” over their financial situation and these findings could hit staff hard.
Phil Bird, co-founder and director of the PC Support Group, said: “Businesses which are equipped with the right software can track exactly where you’re spending your time this Christmas, so if you’re still expecting that Christmas bonus we would recommend you save the shopping for home time.”