Those who feel negative about their chances of securing their dream job have been urged to keep their spirits up and take any opportunity that comes along.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK, explained that people who choose not to seek out gainful employment will find their way of life is rapidly threatened by the policies of the coalition government.

"For those who genuinely can't work it is a different thing, but for those who are just work shy, I think they are probably going to find it quite difficult over the coming years because clearly this government is determined to address that issue," he said.

"I take the view that if you want to find work and you're not too precious about what you do, within reason, then you've got the right mental attitude to appeal to a future employer. But if you just shove your hands in your pockets and say 'well, I'm not playing' then you're not going to be very attractive to an employer."

Meanwhile, jobseekers in Colchester have been benefiting from a government cash injection into local organisations designed to equip unemployed people with the skills they need to get back into the workplace and expand their career options.

The Chelmsford Weekly News reported that a £20,000 grant awarded to local group Signpost will enable more Greenstead Job Club sessions to be held, which will help those without a job write a CV, go on training courses and find new employment opportunities.

A further £7,500 worth of funding handed to GO4 Enterprises will target the city's 18 to 24-year-olds who are currently receiving jobseeker's allowance, while the £15,000 given to Colchester Business Enterprise Agency will provide one-to-one advice, support and training to would-be business owners.