Half of Britons admit growing fears over their finances

More than half of British households are now more worried about their personal finances than they were three months ago, according to a poll.

Some 56 per cent of respondents to a ComRes survey spoke of rising financial concerns, compared to 50 per cent last month, 56 per cent in March, and 43 per cent last October. The poll also found that two thirds of the public (62 per cent) were worried about the state of the economy - an increase from 52 per cent in June and 42 per cent in October.

More than half (52 per cent) said they were more worried about their family's future now than they were three months ago, compared to 45 per cent in June and 41 per cent in October. Trust in Chancellor George Osborne has also declined, with 53 per cent saying they do not trust him to see the country through the current economic situation, compared to 47 per cent last month and 37 per cent in October.

Meanwhile, shadow business secretary John Denham said Britain's economy depends on businesses rejecting a short-term focus on profits and instead concentrate on adding value to society.

Mr Denham called for the rise of the "good company", profitable firms creating economic value while also achieving social value. He argued that British business "stands at a crossroads" and could choose to eschew the "short-term pursuit of profit".