The British public remains sceptical about membership of the European single currency, according to new research.

A "Eurotrack" NOP poll for Barclays Capital reveals that veers remain strongly eurosceptic, despite the best attempts by Tony Blair and other senior ministers to promote the benefits of the euro.

The survey, released on Friday, found that 60 per cent of those interviewed would vote "no" if a referendum on euro membership was held now. This compares with just a quarter who would vote "yes", and 10 per cent undecided.

Regions traditionally associated with manufacturing were found to harbour the most euro-sceptical members of the public, despite the argument that the pound's strength has played a significant part in triggering recession in the sector.

The net anti-euro vote - the "yes" vote subtracted from the "no" vote - was highest in Scotland at 58 per cent, with the North at 51 per cent and 37 per cent in the Midlands.

The survey also showed the government is likely to have its work cut out if it pushes ahead with a referendum in the life of this parliament.

Of those expressing hostility to euro membership, only eight per cent would change their minds if a strong case was made by government, six per cent if put by an employer and five per cent if by a campaign group such as Britain in Europe. A personal recommendation by the prime minister would only sway nine per cent of voters

The survey also indicates that a referendum could not be won without the government deciding that its five economic tests were passed. While seven per cent of "no" voters who would switch if the tests were passed, over a quarter of "yes" voters supporters would change their opinion if the tests were failed.

The events of September 11 have not changed the minds of the 80 per cent whose euro-voting intentions remain the same.

Chief economist at Barclays Capital, David Hillier, said: "Unsurprisingly, the poll shows the euro is extremely low on voters' agendas. More surprisingly, only three per cent of voters see the economy as a priority concern."

Dominic Cummings of the No Campaign said: "The idea that Tony Blair, Charles Kennedy and Kenneth Clarke all together on a platform can swing the debate is outmoded thinking from a more deferential era. People are going to look much more at questions of living standards."

The Confederation of British Industry is currently canvassing members about their position on the single currency. Since 1999, when the last survey was conducted, the organisation has given its backing to the euro.

A spokesman said: "The CBI is in favour of joining the Euro when the conditions are right. We won't be joining in a campaign for or against - what we will be doing is representing the views of our members. We'll be seeking to inform the debate".

Other business representatives said companies must still prepare for the introduction of the single currency. A British Chambers of Commerce spokesman told ePolitix: "The most important issue for businesses is that the euro will be and is a reality from January, and in order to stay competitive, businesses need to ensure that systems are prepared for it".