We'll starve but we won't do without our beloved broadband say the UK's internet users

As the recession bites ever deeper it seems that UK consumers are being forced to cut back on more of their luxuries. However, many would rather starve than lose their broadband connection, according to Sky News this week.

The news channel spent a day looking at the lives of people across the country as part of a 'Hard Times' report that featured on screens earlier in the week. According to a survey conducted for the programme content, people interviewed are more concerned about their finances than they were a year ago. And if things got really tight, consumers would be willing to forego the odd meal rather than disconnect their broadband supply.

While this is obviously encouraging news for our many broadband providers, dieticians and nutritionists are probably not so happy. The issue has been further compounded by a new survey done by Opinion for Clydesdale and Yorkshire bank that revealed a similar line of thought. It found that an overwhelming nine out of ten people would be reluctant to ditch their broadband package if finances were being squeezed.

While the survey concluded that many consumers would be willing to give up going out socialising and gym memberships, they would be less inclined to surrender their access to the online world. With job losses on the increase, people are probably thinking that you can lose weight by running round the block but, increasingly, you can't secure new employment without access to the internet.