Home computing initiatives now UKs fastest growing employee benefit

The Home Computing Initiative (HCI) Alliance today announced that HCI schemes have became the fastest-growing employee benefit in the UK. Enabled by the Governmentís tax exemption on loaned computers, HCI schemes allow employers to loan computing equipment to their employees for personal use at home as a tax-free benefit. More than 380 companies, employing over 3.6 million employees have committed to implementing HCI schemes to date.

The acceleration in take-up is occurring across both enterprises and small businesses, and across all industry sectors including the public sector, education, retail, publishing, financial services, manufacturing, professional services and the media.

Since the launch of DTI Guidelines a year ago by Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, HCI schemes are proving a resounding success, with a recent survey showing that nearly four out of five HR Directors are aware of the schemes ñ up from 34% at the same time last year.

Mike OíBrien, Minister of State for Energy & E-Commerce said ìI am delighted to see that more employers than ever before are offering HCI schemes to their employees. This will mean even more households will gain access to the advantages of the information society, both through improving their own IT skills and through being connected to the Internet for information, entertainment, education and e-commerce. Through the Home Computing Initiative, employees can take advantage of tax exemptions on computer equipment loaned to them by their employer for use at home. This will encourage the widest possible participation in the digital age and ensure that Britain remains one of the best places in the world for online business.î

Vivien Quinn, Director for the HCI Alliance, which comprises Intel, Microsoft and BT, attributes the success of the initiatives to the collaboration and determination of the stakeholders involved: ìBy working together, the Government, TUC, CBI, BCC, HCI Alliance and industry have succeeded in building knowledge of HCI schemes, encouraging employers to recognise the value for staff and their families, and helping employees to understand that they offer a great opportunity for affordable personal computing.î

Sir Digby Jones, director-general of the CBI, remains a major supporter of the initiatives one year on. ìOf all the workforce skills today, there is no question that basic IT literacy is one of the most important, whatever your business and whatever the make-up of your workforce. HCI schemes give people the opportunity to learn at their own pace, in their own way and in their own environment. I am pleased to say that the CBIís own HCI scheme will roll out in the next few months.î

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is implementing a scheme for its members across it Accredited Chamber Network and is taking a leading role in educating UKís small and medium businesses about the benefits. David Frost, Director General of the BCC commented; Having staff with the right skills is as big an issue in small businesses as it is in enterprise. However smaller businesses often lack the resource to invest in structured staff training programmes. HCI schemes can provide extra opportunities for staff to improve their skills which ultimately benefits the business overall. We encourage all SMEs to take advantage of them.

The TUC is also rolling out a scheme for its staff. Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC, said, We are keen supporters of Home Computing Initiatives and have put into practice what we preach. Our employees have given it a warm welcome. Throughout the country unions have been encouraging employers to take up HCI schemes, and although it has taken a while for people to understand what itís all about, it is now taking off in a big way. No employer of choice can afford not to take up an HCI scheme.

As HCI schemes grow in popularity and the market expands, the HCI Alliance is rolling out an HCI Supplier Registration programme to provide reassurance to customers, industry and the marketplace that registered suppliers have met minimum criteria and signed up to a formal complaints procedure. Rick Skett, director & country manager, Intel UK & Ireland says ìWe have been working closely with the supplier community to explore the objectives and scope of such a programme ñ our aim is to provide customers with confidence in suppliers who are meeting the minimum criteria.î