The figures, released today, come despite a raft of measures by banks and the government aimed at improving credit conditions for UK SMEs.

The FSB will today meet with business secretary Lord Mandelson at the Small Business Finance Forum and urge the government to put pressure on the banks to end their "scrooge-like tactics".

FSB national chairman John Wright said: "Despite the government's £500bn bailout, the banks do not seem to be lending to small businesses."

The survey also found that more than 60% of the 5,000 FSB members surveyed had experienced a reduction in trade over the past two months and 40% reported an increase in late payment for services and supplies.

As a result, almost 40% were considering closing down, the study found.

Wright said: "These figures show that with nowhere to turn, small businesses are having to cut jobs and consider closing down. This would be a disaster for millions of employees, as well as the economy as a whole."