Managerial downsizing and the introduction of personalised contracts are issues to be tackled by Manufacturing Science and Finance (MSF) trade union through the establishment of its Forum for Managers and Professionals. Mr John Tierney, the union's National Secretary, said that surveys in Britain and Europe showed that 80 per cent of managers were now working more than six extra hours a week. Up to 40 per cent of managers were working in excess of 10 extra hours.

"The de-layering of management structures has become extremely fashionable in both the public and private sectors," he said.

"It has meant that small numbers of managers are being asked to take on an ever-increasing workload."