Workplace rivalry is on the increase in the accountancy profession with 69% saying that colleagues are becoming more competitive to retain their jobs, according to a survey by jobs board CareersinAudit.com.

The survey also shows that 59% of accountants are worried about losing their job and 22% are constantly worried about losing their job, while 42% of firms have made accountants redundant in the last six months and 15% of these have been in the last month.

Max Williamson, director of CareersinAudit.com, says: “The survey confirms what has been reported to us anecdotally for some time. The recession is forcing accountants to work harder and the fear of job losses is driving increased workplace rivalry.  

“For some, the effects of this recession are more debilitating as they losing sleep at the prospect of being made redundant. Employers need to handle the issue of motivating staff in a difficult economic climate and ensure that processes are put in place to alleviate stress in the workplace.”