en-us http://backend.userland.com/rss Your Friends @ Myvesta.org.uk (stever@myvesta.org) myvestaukblog_archive.html stever@myvesta.org 115040305816426286 Research by Prudential's risk report asserts that UK consumers are more worried about terror threats, asian bird flu and super bugs rather than the everyday reality of household debt.

"An era of fear and panic has gripped the nation and it is entirely unfounded". You are far more likely to lose your job and struggle with debts than be a victim of international terror attacks or superbugs," said Paul Cowman, head of protection at Prudential.

"Many people are focusing on unlikely events but not worrying about how they would meet the payments on their mortgage if they were to become seriously ill or lose their job."

Almost two Britons in five (38 per cent) are concerned about possible terror attacks, with 18 per cent worried about superbugs and a similar number afraid of bird flu.

But while concerns about these things are running high, little attention is being paid to more mundane concerns.

Just one person in ten worries about personal debt or bankruptcy and just one Briton in eight is concerned about their job security.

And these are areas where UK residents can act effectively to protect themselves, by taking out relevant insurance policies.

Dr Peter Marsh, of the Social Issues Research Centre, commented on the findings.

"Today we have little to fear and our lives are rarely at serious risk yet we seem compelled to worry, perhaps even to invent things about which we can fret and express anxiety," he said.

"The result is that we lose a proper focus on risk and get diverted away from real threats.

Telegraph
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