After its launch of in-house membership last year, the barometer revealed a decrease in optimism for business and a predicted decline in the economic condition of the PR industry in 2012.

The increased scope of the teams’ responsibility arose as the biggest challenge for in-house, with comparatively less companies feeling restricted by reduced budgets.

Chief Executive of the PRCA, Francis Ingham said: “In-house PR leaders are not immune to the general economic sentiment in the country. Confidence is weak, and budgets remain under pressure.”

Results show employment prospects are stable, with 78% of those surveyed affirming staff numbers would remain the same, and only 11% predicting an increase in freelancers.

Mr Ingham said: “While being asked to do more with less is a legitimate challenge, it reflects the fact that in the downturn, CEOs are recognising the central importance of their communications experts.”