Home > News > January 2004 > 19-Jan-2004

Hewitt publishes Home Computing Initiative guidelines

Trade and Industry Secretary and E-Cabinet Minister Patricia Hewitt today published guidelines for employers on Home Computing Initiatives (HCI).

The guidelines contain more information about why HCI schemes may offer benefits to organisations and their employees. It includes advice on how to get started, a set of technical implementation guidelines approved by the Inland Revenue and others, and case studies from a range of organisations that have successfully implemented HCI schemes.

The guidelines produced by the DTI, in association with DfES and the Cabinet Office, aim to help British businesses and public sector organisations take advantage of the £500 annual tax exemption on loaned computers introduced by the Chancellor in 1999. The exemption enables companies to loan computers to their employees as a tax-free benefit. By loaning computers to employees businesses can offer them a valuable benefit which at the same time helps to maximise organisational performance through improved ICT skills.

Speaking at the launch, Patricia Hewitt said: "The guidelines will give employers the clarity they need to go ahead and implement an HCI scheme. Our work with the HCI Alliance and others will promote these guidelines and the real benefits that HCI schemes can bring.

"For employers HCI schemes are about maximising potential in the work place. Basic computer and technology skills are now regarded as essential for the majority of jobs. With home computer access IT confident employees have greater capacity to contribute to an organisation's overall performance and adapt more easily to new roles and opportunities. HCI schemes can also generate employer National Insurance savings.

"For individuals, as well as cost savings, HCI schemes can help realise personal and professional potential. Through improved ICT access and use, they provide the tools and resources that further individual learning, enhance workplace skills and increase employment opportunities."

The Government is working closely with industry to promote HCI schemes. The HCI Alliance, comprising BT, Intel and Microsoft, has pledged funds and resources to help the Government promote the guidelines and HCI schemes more broadly. The Government and the HCI Alliance have been advised by the HCI Advisory Group with representatives drawn from Government, industry and the voluntary sector.

Patricia Hewitt was joined at the launch of the guidelines by Andrew Pinder, the e-Envoy, members of the HCI Alliance, together with Brendan Barber of the TUC and John Sunderland of the CBI. Welcoming the publication of the guidelines Brendan Barber said:

"There is a real thirst in the workforce for better computer skills. Our surveys show this is the top choice in almost every work place. People know that computers are more and more crucial to the way we live and work, and they want hands-on experience at work and at home. Every employer now has the chance to offer this great deal to their staff - a cost-free benefit for staff and a real boost to skills. Home Computing schemes win for employees, win for employers and win for the long-term prosperity of us all."

This was reinforced by Digby Jones who said: "The UK must improve the skills of its workforce to sustain the economy and compete in the value-added, innovative, branded end of the market. IT literacy must become an integral part of the country's DNA. Home Computing Initiatives are an opportunity to start this process and the CBI urges businesses to use them to build a work place culture that is equipped to do business in a highly competitive global economy."

Gavin Patterson, Group Managing Director for Consumer & Ventures Division, BT Retail, commented on the launch: "HCI schemes mean that the benefits of broadband can be enjoyed by a lot more people. As the NOP research shows, this makes a positive contribution to people's work-life balance and quality of life."

Rick Skett, Director and Country Manager of Intel UK & Ireland, said: "The HCI working group was formed following discussions between Intel and the Office of the e-Envoy early in 2003. As we developed the outline plan for this scheme it became clear we were looking at a huge opportunity for both UK businesses and UK employees alike. We are delighted that this scheme is now fully supported by the UK's leading organisations and that Intel is a founding member of the HCI alliance."

Neil Holloway, Corporate VP of Sales, Marketing & Services, Microsoft EMEA, said: "These schemes will make a great contribution to improving the IT and life skills of the UK workforce and UK families. Home computers can allow UK citizens to stay engaged in personal development and education, giving them access to new, fulfilling opportunities both in and outside of work."

Copies of the guidelines are available by phoning the DTI publication line on 0870 150 2500 or from the DTI website.

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