UK managers thinking the unthinkable

UK managers have finally done the unthinkable - realised they are dispensable.

In the current economic gloom managers across the UK believe their redundancy is 'inevitable', research by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has found.

By analysing polls and calls to its redundancy hotline, the CMI said UK execs have moved from passive concern about job security to actively preparing for a job hunt.

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'Coping with redundancy: the next day' was one of the most common redundancy checklists sought by individuals in December and January. The lowest recorded request for help was 'managing the survivors'.

One in four of respondents to the CMI's poll said they are currently updating their CV to prepare for a job hunt, with almost the same proportion networking in an effort to unearth job opportunities.

However even if Blighty's managers are convinced their heads will roll soon, the survey indicates the majority aren't planning to sit around feeling sorry for themselves.

Just over half of managers said they believe the recession is the perfect opportunity to reassess their career, while more than a fifth intend to develop transferable skills this year and a quarter wish to spend time working towards a qualification.

A plucky five per cent even said they intend to start their own business.

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