Almost half of workers end up working with an ex-colleague at a new job.

A new survey by recruitment outfit Office Angels suggests that workers are ‘burning bridges’ by leaving on a bad note once they’ve resigned.

One in three workers admits to walking out before completing their notice period with more than a quarter of employees having used their resignation to highlight what they dislike about the company and a third (35 per cent) spending time researching their new clients/role. Seventeen per cent even admit to starting work for their new company whilst still in their old role. This rises to a third (32 per cent) of Londoners.

In addition, 42 per cent while away the hours scouting for venues for their leaving party, with a quarter admitting to taking longer lunch breaks, planning a holiday (16 per cent) and spending at least two hours a day emailing friends and social networking (13 per cent).

However, it’s not all bad news for bosses; according to 41 per cent of workers, they maintain standards right to the end. Loyalty is strongest amongst the over 55s with just 2 per cent of this group saying they slack off towards the end of a job. A figure that compares to 39 per cent of 16-24 year olds who confess to wasting at least a full week through a loss in motivation.

Friendships made at work seem to be long-lasting with 80 per cent having remained friends with ex colleagues whilst a third admit to maintaining contact with old work ‘mates’ purely for their own gain – to help them with work related issues in the future.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: “Leaving in a blaze of glory may provide you with momentary satisfaction but it has the potential to damage your career in the long run. Think about your actions and the impact they will have on others as well as your personal reputation, after handing in your letter of resignation.”

The survey was conducted among 1,292 office workers from September – October 2007.