More than two thirds of jobseekers lie to get employed, a survey has revealed.

Some 69 precent will lie during the recruitment process, with 36 percent admitting to using a false referee. More than half used a member of their family and one in four used a best friend. One in three lied because they left their previous place of employment on bad terms.

Other popular lies were altering a secondary education qualification and making up hobbies and achievements such as going to the gym or playing musical instruments.

The research by Hirescores.com also found nine out of 10 people had bent the truth on their CV.

Lisette Howlett of Hirescores.com said: "I think that many people have lied to get a job in the past, and these current statistics show that people are still doing so.

"I can see why people would consider lying as in this economic situation jobs are few and far between, but by lying in the present you could end up jeopardising things in the future if you are caught."