Most workers fear their job is not secure because of the current economic downturn, according to research out yesterday.

A survey of more than 3000 adults by employment law firm Peninsula also found four out of five worried they will not have enough savings to live comfortably during their retirement, around the same number who fear for their job.

More than two-thirds of those polled said they were being forced to work longer hours in order to cover the cost of living and a similar number believed they were not as financially comfortable as they were two years ago.

Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula, said no job was safe because of the economic climate, adding: "Jobs nowadays just don't have the security attached to them like those that could be found 30 years ago.

"Even in those sectors which people have always envisaged as strong and secure, such as financial and public sectors, there has been real trouble, with heavy job losses the result."

Peninsula said no-one was sure how long the current economic downturn will last, forcing firms to look at streamlining their operations.

Mr Done added: "They need to keep their budgets tight and they are trying to make job roles more flexible so that they are able to cut their wage bill whilst still getting the job done.

"Employers will look out for those people who are most focused on their job, performing well and willing to show commitment to the cause."