UK workers are among the most pessimistic in the world about the future of their jobs, according to the latest edition of the Global Career Confidence Index by HR consultancy Right Management. 

It found 30% of UK employees fear redundancy in the coming year, according to the bi-annual survey. This is the highest figure recorded across the 18 countries surveyed worldwide, and an increase of nine percentage points since May 2006, the largest rise globally. 

The number of UK workers who believe it would be difficult to find alternative employment of a similar grade if they were made redundant, has risen from 71% six months ago to 77% now.  Only France, Germany and Italy have less optimistic workers, but other than Korea, the UK is the only country where workers are less confident than they were in May.

Peter Coles, director at Right Management in the UK, says: “The drop may appear unusual with the UK economy remaining strong and the recruitment market relatively buoyant. However, the continuing restructuring of the labour market with the growth in outsourcing, particularly in the public sectors has led to increased uncertainty for many about their future job security.  In addition many people feel they don’t have the relevant experience for the new jobs being created.”

The Norwegians are the most optimistic in the world, with only 4% of workers believing there is a chance they could lose their job in the coming year.