Managers turn backs on board seats

GREATER demands on company directors are to blame for top business people turning their backs on board seats, according to a survey published yesterday.

The survey, conducted by Deloitte, found almost two-thirds of senior managers were more likely to turn down offers of non-executive positions than they were five years ago. Only seven per cent said they were more likely to accept.

"The reason why so many top business people are rejecting offers to become a director is the increased level of responsibility the position now involves," said Brendan Jennings, head of audit at Deloitte. "84% of respondents to our survey said that directors' responsibilities are substantially more onerous now than they were five years ago."