Consumer sentiment rises, but job security confidence hits six-month low
By Benjamin Chiou
Date: Thursday 05 Mar 2026
(Sharecast News) - Consumer confidence across the UK edged higher in February, according to the latest survey by YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), though the job security outlook fell to its lowest level in six months.
The headline reading of the YouGov/Cebr consumer confidence index rose to 108.7 last month, up from 107.9 in January. While still in positive territory - indicated by any reading above 100 - the index remains well below the 112.5 level reached in February 2025.
The index tracking household finances over the month improved to 89.5 from 87.9, though still firmly in negative territory, while the indicator looking at consumers' perceptions of household finances over the coming year also rose to 95.0 from 91.9.
However, the job security index slipped to 92.6 from 93.7, marking the lowest level since August, "in a further sign of the loosening labour market evidenced by official publications", according to Sam Miley, head of forecasting and thought leadership at Cebr.
Job security perceptions over the coming year were little changed at 117.6, up marginally from 116.3 but broadly in line with 12 months earlier.
"The improvement in confidence so far this year has coincided with a sharp deceleration in inflation. However, a major risk has since emerged in the form of escalating conflict in the Middle East. The ensuing volatility in commodity markets and potential for pass through to UK consumer prices could damage financial perceptions in the months ahead," Miley said.
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