Only one in four people trusts the government with the NHS, according to the "damning" findings of a poll.

Unison said a survey of more than 2,000 adults revealed "poor trust" in the coalition, with just over a third saying they backed its measures to improve the economy and over half disagreeing over the fairness of taxes.

The poll, published at the union's annual conference in Brighton, also revealed that one in four ran out of money before their next pay day, with 9% having to borrow just to pay for essentials.

The Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis, said: "With less than a year to go to the general election, the coalition is sliding down in the public's estimation on three key election battleground areas.

"The public sees through government rhetoric claiming the economy is on the up, because they are struggling day to day to keep their heads above water.

"Four in 10 of those surveyed said they are worse off a result of the government's cuts to public spending, and public services workers have been punished by this government by denying them a pay rise for another year, despite bragging about an economic recovery."

Prentis said that the government had wasted billions on an "unnecessary" reorganisation of the health service.

"Instead of improving patient care, we now have longer waiting times, including for cancer treatment, and cuts and closures to vital patient services. The winners are again those already reaping the benefits of the Tory cuts agenda. Big businesses are queuing up to take over lucrative contracts in the public sector."