As many seven in ten Britons have been scared into cutting back on their financial outgoings, despite the fact that many are okay financially.

That is according to new research carried out by market analyst Mintel, which found that a culture of anxiety is now sweeping the country.

Of those consumers polled for the study, 70 per cent admitted that worries over the recession has led them to cut back, with around half are doing so as they fear they may have to cope with losing their job or even losing their home at some point in the future.

What’s more, one in three are currently experiencing severe money worries and cutting their outgoings even though they are financially okay.

James McCoy of Mintel explained: "These adults haven’t personally been affected by the recession, although they may know someone who has.

"In these difficult times, it is evident that consumers are changing their spending behaviour and adapting, whether or not it is necessary."

This follows on from a recent report from Clydesdale Bank, which revealed that three in four Scots are shunning professional help and carrying out home improvement jobs on their own in order to save money.