LONDON, England - July 22, 2008 -
The scale of public alarm about the economy is revealed today by a Guardian/ICM
poll that shows an overwhelming majority of voters think Britain is heading
into recession. As a result, 60% are trying to spend less, with clothes and
fuel costs heading the list of cutbacks.
Consumer confidence has dropped sharply since the Guardian's April survey, which revealed that 43% of voters were worried about their financial position. Three months later, the figure is 61%.
Asked if Britain is heading for recession, 80% say yes.
Most people, 60%, say that they are cutting back spending. Poorer voters, hit hardest by the downturn, are the most likely to be trying to economize.
Overall, 72% say they are spending less on clothes; 71% on food; 70% on driving and petrol; 70% on bills; and 68% on big household items such as furniture.