Marvin OnumonuOne in five UK workers asked their boss for a salary advance to cover bills and everyday costs, according to research by PayFit.
The survey of 1,950 workers across Europe found UK staff were most likely to want flexible pay, with 47% interested in staggered payments through the month.
For 75% of UK respondents, the main reason was controlling day-to-day finances.
Among workers who requested a salary advance, more than half (54%) used it to pay a bill.
A third used it for daily essentials like transport or food.
28% used the advance to reduce reliance on credit cards, while 27% put the money towards savings.
22% each used it for non-essential expenses or childcare costs, and 21% used it for mortgage or rent.
Even though 63% of workers received a pay rise in the last year, many are still stretched between pay days.
42% said they struggled with the cost of living because they had to wait until the end of the month for their pay.
This increased to 65% among those who asked for an advance.
To get by before payday, 52% used a credit card, 30% borrowed from friends or family, 28% used buy now, pay later schemes and 27% went into overdraft.
Firmin Zocchetto, CEO at PayFit, said: “While workers are, in general, happy with their current payment methods, it doesn’t mean those methods work for everyone.
“Rising costs and stretched budgets mean many people have no choice but to live day by day, which tells us something needs to change.
“It’s not to say that employers must offer advances. Rather, it’s about giving employees more choice, more control and more support.”
Zocchetto added: “Employers have a real opportunity to personalise pay and help build financial literacy, so staff can manage their money with confidence, not just to get through the month but to plan for the future.”
