An EU survey on employment shows that Irish people's job situation has been particularly badly affected by the economic and financial crisis.

Ireland ranks among the highest in the EU for experiencing job losses and two thirds believe the worst of the crisis is yet to come.

The survey shows that unemployment is a big worry across the EU. 41% of Irish respondents expressed concern that their partner or spouse would lose their job, against an EU average of 38%.

In Ireland, 52% of those surveyed feared their children would lose their job. The EU figure was 47%. The figures were lower for those afraid of losing their own job - 32% in the EU, 33% in Ireland.

In Ireland, 16% of respondents to the survey say they have personally lost their job as a result of the crisis. The crisis has resulted in job losses for a family member or friend of 49% of respondents. This compares to an EU average of 9% and 36% respectively. The worst affected countries are Latvia, Lithuania and Spain where the economic crisis has been particularly severe.

Irish people are also more likely than their European counterparts to feel that we have not yet reached the peak of the crisis. 66% of Irish people fear the worst is yet to come, compared with an EU average of 61%. People in Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Italy were the most optimistic.

Asked about measures to help people to get into the labour market or to stay there longer, Irish people cited the main factors as increasing childcare facilities (85%), increasing care facilities for the elderly (81%) and supporting those who want to start up their own businesses (86%).

Half of Irish people said that, if laid off, they would look for the same kind of job in the same location. 16% would apply for the same job in another location, below the EU average of 19%. Only 3% of respondents said they would look for a completely different kind of job in a new location.