More than 3 million 'fear for jobs'

More than one in 10 workers are living with the fear of losing their jobs over the coming year, according to a survey by union body the TUC.

The figures revealed 13 % of the 2,857 workers polled think could be out of work as a result of the economic downturn.

Replicated across the country, this would mean 3.3 million people are not confident about their employment.

However, the poll also showed a regional variation, with those in Wales (20%) and Scotland (17%) feeling most at risk.

In contrast, only 7% of workers in the East of England were concerned about their jobs.

The news comes after unemployment figures rose in July.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Of course, this does not mean that unemployment will rise by anything like three million, but it does show just how jittery people have become about the economy and their own job.

"The economy will inevitably slow this year and next, given the credit crunch and the impact of higher oil, food and commodity prices.

"But there is a real danger that if everyone thinks that the downturn will be deeper than it needs to be it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy."