Only 15% of employees totally trust their manager meaning 85% are in doubt about some information they receive from higher up the organisation.

A poll of 1,005 UK workers by Badenoch & Clark found a quarter think gossip around the workplace has increased since the recession began - rising to 49% among banking and financial professionals.

And almost a third of staff in the Midlands (32%) claim they do not believe anything their employer or manager tells them and a further 56% are sceptical about at least some of the things they are told.

Neil Wilson, managing director of Badenoch & Clark, said: "The erosion of trust will result in a disengaged workforce and one that harbours little loyalty to the organisation. There will be very little willingness to go the extra mile during the working day. Once the economy picks up and job opportunities start becoming more widespread, the employers with the lowest levels of trust could also see many of their most valued people leave."