Managers across the South East have accepted their own redundancy as inevitable, according to evidence compiled by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Analysis of calls to the CMI’s redundancy hotline, combined with a series of polls, shows that executives have moved from concern about job security to preparing for a job hunt.

Against a backdrop of over 50,000 job losses since January 5 and a total of 1.92 million unemployed, key findings show that among the most common redundancy checklists sought by individuals in December and January was Coping with Redundancy: the next day.

The lowest recorded request was for help ‘managing the survivors’

23 per cent of respondents in the South East admit they are currently updating their CV in readiness for a job search

29 per cent in the South East are making extra efforts to develop business networks, hoping to uncover job opportunities

66 per cent in the region have worked in an organisation where others have been made redundant

However, despite clear evidence of a “managers’ malaise”, the survey also uncovers some positive news.

76 per cent in the South East, for example, argue that there is less stigma attached to redundancy than during the 1990s and 57 per cent believe the current economic climate is the perfect opportunity to reassess their career.

Evidence also suggests that managers and leaders in the South East are making plans to survive the recession and build their career over the long-term.

19 per cent indicated that they intend to develop transferable skills during 2009, with 23 per cent also saying they plan to undertake a qualification.

Surprisingly, three per cent also intend to start their own business.