A new study by the The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) shows a widening gap in top management skills.

During 2001 to 2003, reported gaps in management skills rose above that of professional occupations. The SSDA expects that gap to get bigger.

Demand varies considerably across sectors, with textiles and clothing and transport equipment predicted to decline by 20%, while computing services could expect to see as much as an 80% rise in total employment levels for managers, according to the SSDA.

Succession planning is adding to demand for managers, the report states that between 2002-2012, for all occupations together, replacement demand is predicted to be 7.5 times larger than expansion demand arising from new growth.

Gender also plays a part in the composition of management. Across the industries, the average percentage makeup of female managers is 35%. Construction, however, falls well below this figure coming in at just 10%. While the highest proportion can be found within education, health and social work at 70%.

Professor Mike Campbell, Director of Strategy and Research at the SSDA said: "A significant number of employers have identified management skills as being amongst the most important in terms of future skills needs. However, this research highlights how the nature of management skills required can vary from sector to sector.”

Outlining the role of Skills for Business, the new network of employer-led Sector Skills Councils, Campbell added: "Through the establishment of the network, we are not only working to ensure there are sufficient numbers of managers to meet employers needs, but that they are equipped with the necessary skills to do their jobs effectively."