Managers want to see a "back to basics" approach to grammar, punctuation and spelling, according to a new study.

A survey by business writing consultants Emphasis, found that managers were dismayed at the number of written mistakes in business communications.

Spelling mistakes, the use of "text-speak" and the misuse of apostrophes in written work were common problems.

"Changes in education policy over several decades have meant that many employees in the workplace have forgotten or have simply never been taught the rudiments of written English," said Rob Ashton, a director at Emphasis.

"This can cause serious problems in business writing, as incorrect grammar and punctuation in copy can deter prospective clients. The ideas and true potential of some employees can also remain untapped because they find it difficult to express themselves properly in written work."

Ashton said that the lack of formal grammar education in the seventies and eighties may also be the reason why managers are less tolerant now. "Many people who were powerless to address the problem before are now in management positions," he said. ‘So they’re saying, ‘Enough is enough’, and taking action."