The business lunch is the latest employee benefit to suffer from the economic conditions, according to a new survey that has found 1 in 3 workers are being asked to use discount vouchers to keep the costs of lunchtime meetings and entertaining to a minimum.

The survey, which questioned over 1,200 people across the UK, found that companies are increasingly asking employees to eat at cheaper restaurants and use voucher deals to help reduce expenses bills in light of the challenging business environment.

Simon Terry, director of money saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk, which ran the survey, says: “Business lunches have traditionally been viewed as a perk, but in the current climate many companies are reviewing their procedures to reduce their financial commitment. While lunch meetings and entertaining are still key in terms of staff motivation and business relationships, the cost can be cut back significantly and savvy companies are now recognising this.”

Restaurants offering voucher codes now vary from Pizza Express, Café Rouge and Strada, to Carluccio’s and All Bar One.

Despite being told to cutback on expenses, 25% of those questioned said they still don’t feel comfortable using money off vouchers at a business lunch or dinner, while 22% said they wouldn’t feel happy about using them at a meal with their boss.

“A few years ago it perhaps wasn’t socially acceptable to use money off vouchers at professional lunches,” adds Simon. “With the increased availability of money off vouchers, together with a growing number of restaurants offering these savings, it is becoming easier and more acceptable to cut back on expenditure.

“Anyone who feels unsure about taking advantage of these discounts should take comfort in the fact that in the last year voucher code downloads for restaurants have increased by over 138%, showing just how many people are using them for business and pleasure.”