Traditional leaving gifts for workers have changed, with firms more likely to give jewellery, alcohol or even fluffy pencil cases than watches or travel clocks.

A poll of 1,000 office staff for recruitment firm Office Angels showed some employers let staff choose their own leaving present.

The firm said its research found 56 per cent of workers had been disappointed with their gifts.

The most common gifts were cash, vouchers, jewellery, champagne, flowers, books, or vouchers for spa treatment or a bungee jump.

Most of the workers questioned said they only gave a few pounds towards a leaving present, although one in ten had given £10.

Paul Jacobs, managing director of Office Angels, said: "The research shows today's employers are spending more time and making more effort to take a personal approach to leaving gifts.

"Although that individual may be moving on, companies recognise the contribution they've made to their organisation and also realise it's a small working world and they could come across each other again."