To All Staff:

Dear Colleague,

Employee Personal Computer Incentive Scheme (EPCIS) – including the New iPad!

I’m pleased to announce that the authority in association with Accentuate Training Ltd has re-launched the EPCIS computer training scheme. I am delighted to recommend this scheme which is available to all eligible staff. The scheme has been agreed across all London local authorities and is extremely good value for money.

As you will see from this website you have a choice of training programmes and computers to select from, to suit your needs. The payment for your training package is then reduced from your gross salary on a monthly basis for 24 months. This means you do not pay income tax or national insurance on this amount. As your payments come from your gross salary, there are no credit checks, and VAT is avoided. At the end of contract period the computer and any other equipment you have been given is then yours to keep (after a very small final charge, usually around £40).

You will see that the website gives you a choice of computers on which to do the training, including laptop or desktop Apple Macs, or PCs with Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system and now the new iPad's can be ordered as well! You can add a New iPad to your order, or order one on its own...the choice is yours!

The scheme details are available from this website which is only open to Tower Hamlets employees and there is a hotline telephone number that you can use to get advice and help.

All computers come with the full Microsoft Office Professional suite of software, including the Apple Mac's, but not on the iPad's. When you take into account the total package most of our users (dependant on the tax they pay) will be saving at least 50% against the same equipment packages on the High Street or elsewhere on the web.

On confirmation of receipt of your equipment you will be sent your Training Package and welcome letter from Accentuate Training Ltd, which will give you the full information should you ever have a Warranty Issue. Your copy of MS Office will be delivered separately after the computer has been delivered.

Keep your eyes open for the “Open Day” demonstrations where you can discuss your training needs and the appropriate options for you.

Yours Sincerely

Damian Kennedy