ESSEX managers are working too many hours for too few returns, according to research.

Figures by the Chartered Management Institute found out of 1,511 managers surveyed UK-wide, 89 per cent of managers said they regularly worked more than one hour over their contracted hours each day.

One in three work more hours by choice, mainly to meet deadlines or the get through the volume of work.

Managers believe the long hours culture affects their productivity and morale and 68 per cent said long hours limirs their exercise time and developing new skills.

The research was part of the Quality of Working Life report compiled to support the TUC's Work Your Proper Hours campaign.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, said: "The perpetual cycle of taking out costs in recent years has meant that most organisations are driven to use their assets - particularly their people - more intensively. Yet it is clearly having a negative effect and will create longer-term problems for organisations unless the UK's long hours culture is kept in check."

LEARN more about the Companies Act 2006 at a seminar next month.

Company directors can find out more at the event run by Colchester firm, Birkett Long solicitors, on March 5 in Chelmsford between 8.30am until 10.30am.

The act will come into force in April 2008 and the seminar will highlight changes to be brought into effect in October 2008 and 2009.

Delegates will hear from members of Birkett Long's various departments.

For more information call Jennie Skingsley on 01206 217605, email jennie.skingsley@birkettlong.co.uk or visit birkettlong.co.uk

FIND out how to make the most of your opportunities at a business breakfast on March 5.

Organised by Colchester-based accountants and business advisors, Larking Gowen, the event will be held at the holiday Inn in Eight Ash Green, Colchester from 7.45am.

For more information on the event, Sell More by Maximising Your Windows of Opportunity, call Karen Kavanagh on 0845 450 2476 or email karen.kavanagh@larking-gowen.co.uk

ESSEX University is holding a series of law talks.

Organised by the law department and the Suffolk and Essex Law Society, the events will take place over the coming months.

For more information call Gail Chapman on 01206 873484.

IF training has transformed your business organisation or community, the National Training Awards 2008 wants to know.

The awards celebrate individuals and organisations whose investment in training has had big results.

Entries for the awards closes on April 25. For information call 0800 0191 475 or visit nationaltrainingawards.com

EAST Anglian businesses can nominate their boss for an award.

Run by BT Business, the My Boss The Hero award recognises small business bosses who look after their staff and offer good work life balance.

The winning boss will receive an all expenses paid relaxation day of their choice and the employee will win £500.

Cast your vote at sme.bt.com/hero. The closing date for entries is March 7.

EMPLOYERS must protect their workers from repetitive strain injury (RSI), according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP).

Figures show that 35,000 workers in the east of England suffer from the condition, which is lower than the national average.

Construction industry workers are more at risk than professional workers.

Friday, February 29 was International RSI Awareness Day and the CSP wants employers to carry out risk assessments on works and ensure they take regular breaks.

TWO thirds of business owners in the east of England have no plans in place for handing over control of their business to family when their retire, research claims.

Business Link said 56 per cent of business owners felt their company should go to the best qualified person, regardless of whether they are family.

But because no plan of succession has been made, family members may assume, wrongly, that they shoudl be in control.

EMPLOYERS face a £45 million compensation bill for age-related discrimination, it has been claimed.

Staff feeling pressure to retire is one of the reasons employers could face tribunal and compensation claims, according to AXA.

One in five feel pressure to retire, while nearly half of British workers retire before the minimum legal requirement.