A new report from MyPerfectCV®, a leading UK CV builder, finds that many UK workers are experiencing growing anxiety about job security and the wider economy. Based on a survey of 800 UK employees, the UK Job Security Report 2026 shows that nearly four in five workers (79 per cent) are worried about losing their job in 2026, with many expecting redundancies and unemployment to rise. As economic pressures and cost-of-living concerns persist, workers remain uncertain about the stability of the labour market in the months ahead.
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Job insecurity is widespread: 79 per cent of UK workers say they are worried about losing their job in 2026.
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Concerns are rising: 69 per cent say they feel more worried about job security than they did last year.
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Redundancies are expected to increase: 82 per cent believe layoffs are likely at their organisation, and 63 per cent think redundancies across the UK will rise in 2026.
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Workers expect unemployment to grow: 77 per cent believe the UK unemployment rate will increase this year.
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Recession fears are widespread: 92 per cent say they are concerned about the UK entering a recession in 2026.
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Cost-of-living pressures remain a top concern: 59 per cent worry their pay will not keep up with costs, while 58 per cent cite the cost of living as a major worry.
“Many workers are feeling increasingly uncertain about their job security right now,” said Dr. Jasmine Escalera, career expert from MyPerfectCV. “Concerns about layoffs, rising unemployment, and the broader economic outlook are clearly shaping how employees view their stability at work.”
Job Security Concerns Are Increasing
Workers report significantly higher levels of job insecurity compared with the previous year. Compared to last year, UK workers say they feel:
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More worried — 69 per cent
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About the same — 19 per cent
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Less worried — 12 per cent
In total, nearly seven in 10 workers say they feel more worried about job security than they did in 2025. When asked specifically about how worried they are about losing their jobs, they responded:
Workers Expect Redundancies to Rise
Many workers believe layoffs will increase both within their organisations and across the broader economy. When asked how likely redundancies are at their organisation in 2026:
Looking nationally, nearly two-thirds of workers believe redundancies will increase this year:
Workers Fear Rising Unemployment and Business Closures
Workers are also concerned about the broader economic outlook for the UK. When asked about the labour market:
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77 per cent believe unemployment will increase in 2026
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13 per cent believe unemployment will decrease
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10 per cent think it will remain about the same
Meanwhile, many workers expect continued strain on businesses:
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More businesses will close — 51 per cent
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About the same number — 34 per cent
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Fewer businesses will close — 15 per cent
Biggest Concerns for UK Workers in 2026
Economic pressure remains the dominant concern for many workers entering the new year:
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Pay not keeping up with costs — 59 per cent
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Cost of living — 58 per cent
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Not being able to find a new job if needed — 43 per cent
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Losing my job — 39 per cent
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Burnout or mental health — 31 per cent
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Lack of career progression — 15 per cent
The findings suggest that financial stability and job security remain top priorities for UK workers as they navigate an uncertain economic environment.
To view the full report and for more information, please visit https://www.myperfectcv.co.uk/blog/uk-job-security-report-2026.
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FMJ
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