Nearly 8 In 10 U.K. Workers Fear Job Loss In 2026 As Redundancy And Recession Concerns Rise

13 April 2026 — A new report from MyPerfectCV®, a leading U.K. CV builder, finds that many U.K. workers are experiencing growing anxiety about job security and the wider economy. Based on a survey of 800 U.K. employees, the U.K. Job Security Report 2026 shows that nearly four in five workers (79%) 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 labor market in the months ahead.

• Job insecurity is widespread: 79% of U.K. workers say they are worried about losing their job in 2026.

• Concerns are rising: 69% say they feel more worried about job security than they did last year.

• Redundancies are expected to increase: 82% believe layoffs are likely at their organization, and 63% think redundancies across the U.K. will rise in 2026.

• Workers expect unemployment to grow: 77% believe the U.K. unemployment rate will increase this year.

• Recession fears are widespread: 92% say they are concerned about the U.K. entering a recession in 2026.

• Cost-of-living pressures remain a top concern: 59% worry their pay will not keep up with costs, while 58% 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.”

Advertisements

Job Security Concerns Are Increasing

Workers report significantly higher levels of job insecurity compared with the previous year. Compared to last year, U.K. workers say they feel:

• More worried — 69%

• About the same — 19%

• Less worried — 12%

In total, nearly 7 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:

Advertisements

• Worried — 79%

• Not worried — 21%

Workers Expect Redundancies to Rise

Many workers believe layoffs will increase both within their organizations and across the broader economy. When asked how likely redundancies are at their organization in 2026:

• Very likely — 45%

• Somewhat likely — 38%

• Not likely — 17%

Looking nationally, nearly two-thirds of workers believe redundancies will increase this year:

• Increase in 2026 — 63%

• Stay about the same — 25%

• Decrease — 12%

Workers Fear Rising Unemployment and Business Closures

Workers are also concerned about the broader economic outlook for the U.K. When asked about the labor market:

• 77% believe unemployment will increase in 2026

• 13% believe unemployment will decrease

• 10% think it will remain about the same

Meanwhile, many workers expect continued strain on businesses:

Advertisements

• More businesses will close — 51%

• About the same number — 34%

• Fewer businesses will close — 15%

Biggest Concerns for U.K. Workers in 2026

Economic pressure remains the dominant concern for many workers entering the new year:

• Pay not keeping up with costs — 59%

• Cost of living — 58%

• Not being able to find a new job if needed — 43%

• Losing my job — 39%

• Burnout or mental health — 31%

• Lack of career progression — 15%

The findings suggest that financial stability and job security remain top priorities for U.K. 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 or contact Olga Knapinska at [email protected].

Methodology

The findings presented in this report are based on a regionally representative survey conducted by MyPerfectCV from January 7-10, 2026. The survey collected responses from 804 full-time employed adults in the U.K. across a mix of industries and career levels. Respondents answered a mix of yes/no, single-selection, and multiple-choice questions covering expectations about job security, labor market trends, workplace well-being, pay, and career plans for 2026.

About MyPerfectCV

MyPerfectCV CV maker provides tools and guidance to help job seekers create a CV and present their professional experience clearly. The platform includes a CV builder and cover letter builder with pre-written templates, CV examples, and step-by-step guidance designed to simplify the process of writing a job application online. Since 2013, MyPerfectCV has provided career solutions by explaining how to write a CV, seek high-paying jobs in the U.K., and ace popular job interview questions. Insights and employment-related research from the MyPerfectCV team have been featured in media outlets including BBC, The Times, City A.M., and Startups.

Advertisements