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Seventy-nine per cent of those questioned for an exclusive poll for Newsnight think the Government should spend less money on saving banks, and more on saving jobs.

The poll also shows that 16% of people know someone who has already lost their job with a further 68% thinking it likely that someone they know will lose their job and 47% who think it very likely.

Unemployment is causing real concern with 40% saying it is likely that they themselves, or a member of their immediate family, will lose their job and nearly a quarter of those polled, 22%, thinking it very likely that this will happen.

Seventy-two per cent of those polled say that it would be damaging to their family if that happened with 54% saying it would be very damaging.

Newsnight will broadcast a special programme on Wednesday 11 February from Birmingham – Is Britain Working? – where a panel of politicians will discuss the economy and jobs with a specially invited audience of businessmen, trade unionists, economists, experts and those at the sharp end of the recession.

Further results from the exclusive poll will be revealed in the programme which broadcasts on ±«Óãtv Two at 10.30pm.

Notes to Editors

ComRes telephoned 1,017 adults on 6-8 February 2009. Data was weighted to be representative demographically of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

LH