The survey revealed that 30-59-year-olds could bridge an average of seven months.

However, 35% of them could cover their expenses for a maximum of one month if they did not get paid, the financial institution said; 14% have enough reserves for six months.

Meanwhile, a quarter of those affected cannot or do not tend to put money aside.

This proportion has increased significantly, as this was true for only 18.4% a year earlier.