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The US has passed a bill to make electronic signatures as valid as their pen and paper counterparts, in a bid to encourage a greater use of e-commerce. The E-sign Bill should make it easier for customers to buy services, particularly financial ones, via the Internet.

Partnership deals announced

The government has announced the first round of public finance initiative and public-private partnership deals in progress under Partnerships UK, the body created to help increase private investment in the UK’s public services. Health, education, transport and council projects all feature on the list.

Few takers for quality mark

A government campaign to improve public confidence in the construction sector with an industry quality mark has had just one registration, despite almost 400 calls to the hotline requesting information.

Strategic Stress Management

Cary Cooper and Valerie Sutherland Macmillan Press, £18.99

Electronic age of deception

Instead of making purchasing quicker and easier, portal sites just present more restrictions, says John Adamson

Security plan ‘double-edged’

The government has scored an own goal with its proposals for the interception of electronic files, according to Jim Norton, author of last year’s Cabinet Office report [email protected].

Don’t let science blind you

When you’re in business, technology is only as good as the savings it offers. So look into e-commerce with care, argues Jenni Ashwood

Added bonus of feeling good

Promoting a real change in attitudes towards staff would not only boost morale but profits too, says John Ramsay

Construction Industry Board

PFI savings are ‘small beer’

Private finance initiative (PFI) savings are “small beer”, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research.