Four-fifths of consumers confident over job security, says spending power report

A record 81% of consumers feel confident about their job security, according to a report.

The figure is a jump from 77% in July, with four in five consumers now believing their job security is either excellent, very good or somewhat good - the highest level in the history of the Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report.

The monthly barometer, which tracks both spending habits and consumer confidence, found 65% of consumers feel positive about their personal finances, a 2% increase on this time last year.

Consumer confidence in the financial situation of the wider economy now stands at 42%, up from 38% in July but still lower than August last year when it was at 46%.

However, the report also shows that while 54% of consumers remain positive about inflation, this has dropped from 59% in July and 64% in August last year.

This seems to be affecting consumers' spending plans, with 76% saying they expect to save some or all of their extra disposable income, up from 72% in July.

More than a third (35%) plan to prioritise paying off debt, up from 31% a month ago.

Lloyds Bank managing director Robin Bulloch said: "The prospect of leaving the EU continues to dominate political discussions and much of the media - with little certainty over what this will mean in practical terms for households and consumers.

"In the meantime, whatever the opportunities and risks of the referendum result, it is encouraging to see such confidence in the jobs market in particular.

"The overarching message from UK consumers is one of cautious optimism, which explains an increasingly careful and judicious approach to future spending plans."