A Cumbria accountancy firm has said that payroll is a "silent time thief" after they looked at a set of survey results.

Saint & Co., found that business owners' valuable time is being guzzled by payroll duties.

Data shows that 20 per cent of companies in Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, spend more than 20 hours a month dealing with payroll related tasks.

Despite over a third of businesses showing a dislike towards managing their own payroll, they continue to do so.

Saint & Co's payroll manager, Jackie Hemus, said: "Our survey threw up some surprising results, especially the amount of time some businesses are spending on payroll.

In Cumbria: Jackie Hemus has shared her thoughts

"The process can be a real silent time thief, and before you know it, the best part of a week has disappeared."

She pointed out that tasks such as buying software, installing updates, being compliant with all HR laws, and more, are all issues.

The main motives for businesses choosing to keep payroll in-house, were cost management, and maintaining an overview of operational expenditure.

However, Ms Hemus suggests some misconceptions about outsourcing payroll services.

Ms Hemus said: "Payroll services can be delivered for a small company for as little as £50 per month, which often surprises business owners who imagine the cost to be much higher.

"When it comes to operational control, there's no need to feel any of that is lost if a third party completes payroll services on a business' behalf.

"Outsourcing payroll simply means there are more hours in the day for business-critical tasks, strategic thinking, and getting things done.

"We're always happy to have a chat about how this might work—just pick up the phone."

People can speak about their payroll requirements by calling Saint & Co on 01228 534371.