Electronic commerce has the potential to be one of the great economic developments of the 21st Century, spurring growth and employment throughout the world. It is set to revolutionising the commercial world, offering greater choice to consumers, and greater access to markets for suppliers. Public sector organisations are taking up lead positions in this move to the new form of trading. 

A partnership of Employment Service, Manpower PLC and Ernst & Young has been set up to bid for management of Employment Zones due to be launched in April 2000. Bids will be invited later this year from public, private and voluntary organisations.
The partnership brings together a range of skills and experience. Employment Service, an Executive Agency of the Department for Education and Employment runs 1000 job centres.