Nearly four in ten of British workers have a deep distrust of their colleagues, research has revealed.

And only a tenth of those questioned were confident that a colleague would not stab them in the back if they were being considered for the same promotion.

Around 42% of women distrusted their colleagues, compared with 36% of men, a survey by The Job Channel claimed.

Men were also more trusting about cars and a third said they would let colleagues have a spin in their new car.

Only a fifth of the women questioned would trust colleagues with their car keys.