MacroScope

The global recession may be showing signs of abating, but that hasn’t stopped the worldwide hand-wringing over job security. People across the globe are more worried now than they were six months ago about losing their job, and plenty more know someone who is no longer employed, according to a poll.

In the Ipsos/Reuters survey of 23,000 people in 23 countries, 53 percent named jobs and unemployment as their top concern — a 12-point increase in the past six months.  Nearly three-quarters said they know someone who has lost a job.

What worries are foremost on your mind?

An Ipsos/Reuters poll of 23 countries found that cuts in household spending have remained constant during the past six months with entertainment, vacations and luxury items the first to go for nearly three quarters of families, followed by clothing, energy consumption and gasoline/driving.

The 23 countries polled,  including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Britain, Sweden, China and Japan, make up 75 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.

Where are you cutting back on spending?