The findings, which cover schools as well as businesses, show that 10% of respondents do not know how to perform a fire risk assessment, despite being responsible for the job.

The same percentage of respondents also admit to having no knowledge of the new fire safety law, while the remaining admit to having little knowledge of it.

The survey, of over 500 respondents by the fire services specialist JLA, also reveals that 13.5% of respondents think they should be “doing more” when it comes to ensuring their property is fire safe.

The main reasons for respondents not doing more to ensure their respective building is fire safe is a lack of budget (18%), added stress (18%) and lack of time (15%).Almost half (49%) of respondents also admitted that they do not train all staff on fire safety, while 12% do not offer any form of fire safety training to employees at all.

Rob Harris, Managing Director of JLA Fire, commented: “It is concerning that a large proportion of those surveyed are unaware of fire safety procedures, and believe they could be doing more to protect those around them.

“Budget constraints or added stress – or indeed the Coronavirus crisis – are not adequate reasons to avoid rectifying this awareness, as the potential damage a fire could cause would have far more costly implications on a business’ reputation and finances.”