25-49 year-olds set to be hardest hit in budget

Almost 60% of people aged between 25 and 49 have either lost their jobs, had their hours reduced or had a cut in salary during the recession — and look set to be hardest hit once again in the upcoming budget.

The hit being taken by this group could drastically affect the country’s chances of dragging itself out of the economic doldrums.

The company behind the latest data, Behaviour & Attitudes, said 25 to 49-year-olds are seen as the “consumer engine” generating the greatest spend in the domestic economy.