UK bosses are still failing to fully appreciate the true value of IT skills, according to a Microsoft survey of 500 business leaders.

IT was seen as the seventh most important workplace skill, behind team working, interpersonal skills and initiative.

According to Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, IT skills are still required throughout the business, from the shop floor up to the chief executive.

"One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker," said Gates.

"In almost every job now, people use software and work with information to enable their organisation to operate more effectively."

The survey was carried out to mark the first anniversary of the Leitch report into overcoming the skills gap in the UK economy.

According to the study, the top business skills ranked by UK business leaders are:

1. Team working and interpersonal skills
2. Initiative
3. Analysing and problem solving
4. Verbal communication
5. Personal planning and organising
6. Flexibility
7. IT skills