Newsletter - December 2007

In this edition:

• New patent rules to ‘benefit businesses'
• Businesses ‘undervalue' computer skills, says Microsoft
• Government unveils pension ‘rescue' package

New patent rules to ‘benefit businesses'

Changes to the rules governing the UK patent system will ‘make life easier and fairer for the British business community,' the Government claims.

The new legislation, which came into effect yesterday, aims to modernise the existing patent rules to give businesses more flexibility and allow for greater use of electronic services.

Minister for Innovation, Lord Triesman , said the reforms would allow businesses to ‘get on with what they do best – leading the world in innovation and enterprise.'

New simplified rules on litigation setting out flexible and user-friendly procedures came into force on 17 December, along with revised case-management powers that aim to provide more clarity for businesses.

New provisions have also been drafted to reflect the electronic filling of patent applications. Under the new legislation applications can now be filed in either English or Welsh.

Commenting on the new rules, the Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Ian Fletcher, said: ‘I'm pleased to have in place a new set of patent rules which lift the burden from UK business and better allow the UK-IPO to expand the range of electronic services we offer customers'.

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Businesses ‘undervalue' computer skills, says Microsoft

The importance of good computer skills in the workplace is being ‘undervalued' by business leaders, a recent report suggests.

In a survey of 500 UK business leaders by software firm Microsoft, a sound knowledge of information technology (IT) was valued as the seventh most important skill in the workplace.

Team work and interpersonal skills topped the poll, while initiative and problem solving followed in second and third place.

The survey also revealed that verbal communication, personal organisation and flexibility are considered more advantageous than a solid understanding of IT.

In light of these results, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has emphasised the value of IT literacy in all levels of the workplace.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Gates said: ‘One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker.

‘A solid working knowledge of productivity software and other IT tools has become a basic foundation for success in virtually any career,' he added.

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Government unveils pension ‘rescue' package

A new pension package designed to help those people who lost savings when their employer-sponsored pension collapsed, has been unveiled by the Government.

Earlier this week Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Peter Hain , announced a rescue scheme to restore 90% of the savings accrued by workers before their pension was wound-up, subject to a cap of £26,000.

Under the new rules members will be able to draw a tax-free lump sum, if applicable, while people unable to work due to ill health will be allowed early access to payments.

The pension settlement will benefit around 130,000 already eligible under the Financial Assistance Scheme, and will be extended to include a further 11,000 workers who were members of solvent employer pension schemes.

Mr Hain said he believed the rescue package represented ‘a just and final settlement' for employees who were ‘cruelly robbed' of their pensions ‘through no fault of their own.'

The announcement has been welcomed by trade union groups, who had been campaigning for ministers to intervene.

A further announcement finalising the new legislation is expected in the New Year.