Women are more likely to support a good cause while at work than men, new research has revealed.

A survey for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) found 58% of people across the UK had donated to charity at their workplace.

However, just under half (49%) of men had done so, compared to two-thirds (66%) of women who responded to the poll.

The mean average donated per person was found to be just over £46 over the course of a year.

Charity appeals at work are not only a great way to support good causes, but they actually improve morale

Pollsters YouGov, who ran the survey, said 30% of workers had sponsored a colleague to do something for charity, with the average donation being £10.

One in four had given to an office fundraising appeal, while almost a quarter (22%) had made a purchase from a charity sale at work.

The average amount raised through these methods was £8.60 and £5, respectively.

CAF commissioned the survey to mark 30 years of payroll giving, where monthly donations are taken direct from people’s salary.

One in 25 people said they currently use the system to donate, and a further 16% said they had given to charity at work in some other way.

However, half of those interviewed said they were unaware of payroll giving.

CAF’s Klara Kozlov said: “We know from previous research that charity appeals at work are not only a great way to support good causes, but they actually improve morale.

“While most people will find the money to make donations on an ad-hoc basis, some preferred a more structured approach.

“Payroll giving enables people to make a donation direct from their pre-tax pay each month. This can either be direct to a charity, or into a charity account where money can be saved up ready for the next fundraising appeal.”