Graduates applying for jobs should ensure their CV is completely truthful after it emerged 50 percent of applicants send employers inaccurate details.

Employers will be keen to check data as CV errors and lies are a serious risk for businesses.

According to The Risk Advisory Group's study of more than 3,800 CVs submitted in 2007, discrepancies in employment and academic dates, fictitious professional qualifications, omitting County Court Judgments and undeclared directorships were all been identified.

Compared to previous surveys, the results show that lying on CVs is widespread. In 2007 the number of candidates submitting multiple lies increased, with those aged between 36 and 40 the worst offenders. The number of cases having three or more discrepancies also increased by nine per cent over the survey results for 2006.

Sal Remtulla, of The Risk Advisory Group, said: "CV discrepancies are on the increase and becoming more serious. The rise in dishonesty in the 36-40 age group is a testament to the increasingly tough job market, and it is clear the temptation for exaggeration or straightforward lying is escalating.

"Many of the discrepancies we uncover are simple errors of omission, but a significant number will be something more serious, such as bankruptcies, criminal convictions or even fraud against previous employers."