David and Victoria Beckham have axed 14 staff in a bid to save money.

The couple - who are worth an estimated £115 million - were reportedly advised by financial experts to get rid of a third of the employees who work in their homes in England, Los Angeles, Dubai and France because they were "wasting" money.

A source close to the couple told The Sun newspaper: "This very no-nonsense accountant gave it to Victoria straight and said, 'You can afford to employ all of these people. But why the hell do you?'

"David and Victoria are multi-millionaires, but that doesn't mean they have to waste money - and they were haemorrhaging it."

Among those employed by the couple - who have sons Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, seven, and four-year-old Cruz - around the world are personal assistants, chefs, cleaners, gardeners, builders, nannies, and property agents.

Those who have been cut include a cleaner at the couple's home in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, East England, who had worked for the pair for eight years.

The chief gardener at the estate has been asked to also work as a driver, to save on chauffeur bills.

Six other gardeners have also been axed from the couple's home in Bargemon, France.

The source added: "Once the accountant pointed out that level of staffing was not required Victoria pushed the button. There has been a large downsize."