Almost two million people in Ireland are broke after paying their bills every month according to a new survey.

The economic recession is putting huge pressure on household budgets according to a report in the Irish Independent.

The paper carries details of a new survey showing that more than 1.6 million people have €50 ($65)or less to live on every month after paying essential bills.

The majority of people say their financial situation will worsen in 2013 thanks to measures introduced in the December Budget.

A new property tax and changes to pay related social insurance (PRSI) have been named as pressure points on family spending.

The survey was commissioned by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

The survey found that two-fifths of adults have had to sacrifice spending on other household items such as food and entertainment to pay energy bills.

The survey, conducted by iReach among 1,000 adults in December, suggests that working adults have emerged as among those most financially put-upon.

The results show a big rise in the number of workers who say they have €50 ($65) or less to live on after paying essential bills.

Up to 700,000 people with jobs had just €50 or less a month to survive on in December after covering their main bills, up 69,000 from October last year.

The figure rises to 1.6million when homemakers and the unemployed are included.

The December Budget had a negative impact on nine out of 10 people.

The survey also found that seven out of 10 adults are unable to save.

Chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions Kieron Brennan said: “Disposable income overall continues to decrease with 72pc stating that they have less disposable income in December than they did in December 2011.

“Many are simply continuing to struggle to survive on a daily basis.

“Many individuals and families are sacrificing spending on other household items including food so that they can keep on top of their bills.”