Discount site MyVoucherCodes.co.uk polled nearly 2,000 people in the UK, aged over 18 and in full time employment, and found that for 86% there is a period of the month when they have nothing to live on.

When asked how long before payday their funds tended to run out completely, the average answer was ‘7 days’.

18% said they got by by making use of supplies they already had like food at home and petrol in the tank. Some 37% said they used borrowed money, such as through an overdraft, loan or credit card to get by, while 9% turned to their nearest and dearest for cash to see them through.

Mark Pearson, chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, said: “To see that many Britons live on absolutely nothing for a week, on average, every month is a huge shock. It makes me wonder whether or not people are managing their money effectively.

“It can be tempting when you first get paid to look at the lump sum and feel like you’ve got plenty of cash and enough to splurge here and there. However, before you know it, you can often realise you’ve made a substantial debt in your budget for the month.

“Always leave buying the odd treat until the end of the month, after all of your bills have gone out and you’ve put money aside for food and transport costs. Don’t get carried away with your wages!”