A quarter of UK managers question their own capabilities and 60% admit they didn't plan a career in management.

According to the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), which surveyed 1,000 managers, 27% are unsure of their ability to manage others, 14% struggle to manage their workforce and more than a third (34%) think the most challenging thing about their job is stress.

ILM chief executive Penny de Valk, said: "Strong leadership and competent managers are vital if businesses are to survive the turbulent times ahead. A whole generation of managers in the UK are working in unprecedented circumstances.

"When we are under stress we often revert to type, which can prevent us from drawing on the repertoire of skills we need to impact as managers. So it is even more important we invest in management development to ensure this self-awareness."