People in the SW spend £1,920 a year trivial purchases while at work

Despite many hard-working Brits being left living on the edge, new research reveals that workers in the South West are spending an average of £1,920 a year on trivial purchases whilst at work. A study by TopCashback.co.uk, released today, reveals that residents spend an average of £40 a week on small purchases including coffee, breakfast and lunch, impulse buys and after-work drinks with colleagues.

When it comes to buying food on the go, 19 per cent of workers in the South West spend £6-10 on breakfast, with a further third spending up to £10 on lunch throughout the week. 29 per cent of workers buy at least five coffees from Monday to Friday, costing on average £2 each. 

Adding to the weekly spend, 44 per cent admit to making impulse purchases online and on the high-street during their lunch breaks, spending an average of £10 each week. Around half of women in the South West admit to impulse buys, with 35 per cent spending £11-£20 on average during lunch breaks throughout the week.

Just 15 per cent of workers in the South West say they go for after-work drinks with colleagues; however 40 per cent of those who do clock up an average spend of £11-£20 throughout the week.

Other key findings reveal that:

• 17 per cent of workers admit to never taking a pre-prepared lunch to work
• Those in Cornwall spend the most on coffee throughout the week, spending an average of £16 on eight coffees at £2 each
• Residents in Bristol are the most impulsive with more than two-thirds saying they make purchases on their lunch break

The key statistics are displayed in the infographic below.