Many Britons are failing to financially protect themselves in the long-term should their income suddenly be affected, it has emerged.

New research from Scottish Widows revealed that 62 per cent of people do not have protection in place and only a quarter believe they would be adequately protected if they lost their main household income.

"The lack of protection coupled with people’s tentative approach to saving in the current difficult economic climate could result in families and dependants taking radical steps to make ends meet if illness, accident or death affects the household income," said Richard Jones, protection market director at Scottish Widows.

If this situation were to occur, two-thirds of people who plan to fall back on their savings only have £500 to £1,500 saved up, which would not be adequate on a long-term basis.

A study from NS&I released in March found that Britons have saved an average of £86.35 each month over the last year, which ended on a high of £90.12 during the winter months ending in February.