One in four public sector workers think it is likely they will lose their jobs, according to the latest Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD’s) quarterly Employee Outlook survey.

Meanwhile, 63% of these workers say stress has increased as a result of the economic downturn, compared to 54% last quarter.

However, the survey of over 2,000 employees also shows job satisfaction has risen across UK sectors to a net score of +42 this autumn from +35 for the previous quarter.

Ben Willmott, CIPD senior public policy adviser, says: “Past findings suggest that the rise in job satisfaction could be a temporary one — particularly for public sector workers. The survey shows some real causes for concern, with job insecurity and stress at high levels and trust in senior management at extremely low levels.”