Tax inspectors could recover up to £100m from more than 2,400 civil servants found to be working ‘off payroll' in personal service companies, it has been suggested.

According to the investigative news website Exaro, accountants calculate that Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could recoup around £50m in unpaid tax and national insurance contributions, and a further £50m in interest and penalties if the Government takes action against some individuals who have used beneficial corporate structures when working in Whitehall or for arm's-length bodies.