What recession? Brits are feeling more confident

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Britons are feeling more upbeat about their job prospects than they have for five years, according to new research, which follows a raft of positive economic data boosting hopes the country's economic recovery is here to stay.

(Read more: This could be the best way to play the UK recovery)

Nearly one in four Britons felt positive about job opportunities in the second quarter of 2013 - the highest level since the start of 2008 - according to the latest figures from market research firm Nielsen.

This optimism in relation to employment contributed to an overall rise in Britain's consumer confidence index, which rose to a three year high of 79 in the second quarter of this year, a rise of four points on the previous quarter.

(Read more: Bank of England holds fire before key inflation report)

The research comes as construction data from Markit on Friday showed that U.K. building activity had unexpectedly shot up in July, to hit its highest level since June 2010. It followed strong manufacturing data released on Thursday, which showed the sector grew at its fastest rate for more than two years, with production increasing for the fourth month running as growth of new orders continued to strengthen.

Last week, official growth data showed that Britain's economy expanded at its fastest pace since early 2011 in the second quarter of 2013, showing growth of 0.6 percent from the first quarter, according to preliminary estimates.

(Read more: Investors 'Washed Out' as Sterling Hits 3-Year Low)

Beyond these gross domestic product (GDP) figures, Nielsen said Britons were also starting to feel more optimistic about growth, with recessionary sentiment improving. The number of consumers believing that the U.K. is in a recession fell six points to 81 percent, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2008, when 65 percent of the population believed the economy was contracting.

"With the bounce in consumer confidence reflected in recent healthy key metrics for the economy, we can see some momentum for a long awaited recovery," said Chris Morley, Nielsen managing director for U.K. and Ireland.

(Read more: No UK housing bubble says Nationwide)

"The UK has seen its growth for 2013 upgraded so the short to medium term looks better than it has done for a while. However, financial issues are still dominating people's concerns, and consumers will need to see stronger signposts that the economy is improving before they become less cautious about spending."

—By CNBC's Jenny Cosgrave: Follow her on Twitter @jenny_cosgrave