MOST people believe the gap between the rich and poor is growing, research revealed today.

A survey of 37,000 members of the Co-op also found that three in four believe many people do not have equal access to the resources they need.

More than four-fifths of respondents said the gap between the rich and the poor is growing and a similar number believe society is more divided than it was 10 years ago.

Only one in five said they feel optimistic about the country’s future.

Major concerns highlighted in the study include the cost of living, healthcare, the environment, cuts to local services and prospects for the younger generation.

Co-op Group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “We’re living in a world where powerful voices are actively encouraging businesses to row back on their social value commitments.

“In the pursuit of short-term profit opportunities, some other businesses are choosing to scale back or water down their social value work, shutting the door on progress for the future."