Almost a third of British workers have switched jobs in search of a better boss according to recent research by bank First Direct.

One in ten have even switched careers in order to do so, with 20% trying self-employment as an alternative to being poorly managed.

Bad bosses cause a loss of motivation, reduce productivity and trigger "sickies" in their staff according to the survey.

The top five qualities in good bosses according to respondents were:

1. Approachability (83 per cent)
2. Being a good communicator (82 per cent)
3. Being supportive (81 per cent)
4. Being a good leader (80 per cent)
5. Someone who respects their staff as individuals (76 per cent)

Paul Say from First Direct said: "The results make for bleak reading and given the current economic climate, so much untapped potential is a serious issue."