BRITAIN'S bosses are obsessed with work, even while on holiday, according to a new survey.

Research by the Chartered Management Institute found that 45 per cent of those surveyed regularly interrupted their annual leave to contact their employers and 41 per cent access work emails while abroad.

Christine Hayhurst, director of public and professional affairs at the institute, said: "The findings represent a worrying trend as they suggest many managers are struggling to let go.

"It is an area that employers and employees must focus on, as ultimately, fully recharged batteries lead to greater job satisfaction and increased productivity levels."

The majority of managers have more than five weeks holiday entitlement each year, but 40 per cent do not take their full holiday allowance.

Those who do take time off catch up on other work. Two thirds take holiday to do chores at home, and a fifth use it to do outstanding paperwork.

"Longer working days have resulted in managers using annual leave to catch up on tasks they used to fit in before or after work," said Ms Hayhurst.

"Despite the emphasis on flexible working, it seems employers are also becoming less accepting of staff taking time off work for routine appointments.

"It is something that must be looked at, especially given the amount of hours managers give to their companies."