MANAGERS in the South East find it hard to relax and go on holiday, according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute.

CMI found that an increased work load has reduced the number of managers prepared to use their full holiday allowance each year. Less than half (46 per cent) of managers claimed to take their full entitlement, compared to 66 per cent last year, and most blame work commitments for their failure to take a proper break.

Even when away, many managers are affected by their professional responsibilities, with 79 per cent claiming to interupt time off to attend to work duties.

However, managers do recognise the need to have a break from Nearly nine in 10 said time away from the office recharges their batteries.

Christine Hayhurst, director of professional affairs at the CMI, said: "Managers are only too aware of the importance of a good break. However, it is clear there is a long way to go between recognition and action.

"Despite being given more time to take holidays and an apparent willingness to relax, the amount of real time they spend away from work is still at a low level. Much of this is down to a drive to succeed, but managers in the South East should have a sense of realism about the quantity and quality of their work. After all, it is possible to do a job well, without being at work for long hours."