Industry: Job insecurity on the increase

More than one in three workers believe their jobs are less secure than a year ago despite claims that the "feelgood" factor has returned. A survey by the Manufacturing Science and Finance union, which polled 388 firms, said there had been a "marginally favourable" shift in workers' attitudes to job security compared to previous surveys. However, the union said it was clear workers were not experiencing a "feelgood effect".

Some 37 per cent said their jobs were less secure than a year ago, with most job insecurity reported in financial services and the National Health Service. Fewer than one in five said their jobs were more secure than this time last year.