Consumers are starting to question whether switching to a new utility or telecoms supplier can really offer a better deal, following new research.

The competition between utilities suppliers, financial services and telecom companies is such that many customers believe switching to another provider could mean a better deal.

However, a survey by YouGov for telecom company BT found that one in three consumers feel that they never save as much as they expect and more than one in five say they ended up sacrificing prices for poorer customer service and a poorer quality product.

More than one in ten said switching had not worked out well for them so now they stick to their 'tried and tested' services.

"The irony of the switching trend is that many consumers have now been to the other side and found that the grass isn't really greener," said BT group managing director, Gavin Patterson.

"Don't be a sorry switcher; remember to take a careful look at the benefits that you've got already and what you're giving up by leaving."