Three out of four people in the East of England are more confident about the security of their job and their ability to find work compared with last autumn, according to a new survey.

The figure of 76%, contained in the third National Careers Service Job Confidence Index, represents a rise of three percentage points compared since the previous survey in November and a 5% increase since the first index was published in August last year.

The research, conducted by ICM, shows the main driver behind the region’s increase in job confidence is the economic recovery, with 60% claiming they are more job confident as a result of improving business outlook, up from 49% last August.

In addition to the economic recovery, one third of people in the East of England also attributed their increase in job confidence down to more opportunities being available (32%), and 33% said they feel they have the right skills and qualifications.

The overall index, based on research looking at various issues affecting individuals’ confidence in finding work, analyses the state of the nation’s work and employment prospects.

Taking in other, underlying factors, the overall job confidence score for the East of England has increased by 1.6 points since November 2013, from 52.2 to 53.8 out of 100 ? an increase of 2.5 points since the first index was released in August 2013.

However, when it comes to pinning down job opportunities and performing under pressure, the index reveals that job seekers may need more help. Just over a quarter of people (28%) do not feel confident in being interviewed for a job, compared to 35% in November 2013.

What’s more, although there is a consensus amongst those that are not employed but seeking work, that developing a CV and gaining work experience are important steps in showing ability to future employers, and although there is evidence to show confidence in these areas, in the East of England, just over a third of all respondents have actually taken steps to update their CV and less than one in ten (9%) have applied for work experience.

All areas in the country cite economic recovery as the biggest driver behind an increase in job confidence, with most agreement on this factor from Yorkshire and the Humber, (67%), followed by the East of England, the North West and the West Midlands at 60%.

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock, the MP for West Suffolk, said: “It is testament to our long term economic plan that people are becoming more confident in the jobs market. Every job means more economic security for families.

“To support this growing feeling and as the recovery continues people can be assured that the National Careers Service provides advice to all ages and at all stages of their working lives. I would urge anyone who needs help with their job search gets in touch with them today.”