On the subject of tax implications it may be that there can be some sort of offset against tax even if you are a direct employee rather than contractor.

My wife is a nurse here in the UK and she is allowed to offset a range of things against tax - RCN subscriptions, Journal Subscriptions, Laundry costs, Some clothing costs (like tights - throughback to the old style uniforms that are not worn nowadays). She is also doing some extra agency work and is allowed to claim back the mileage (apparantly, though we have not done this yet).

I am sure that there will be a similar way to offet technical costs that are essential to the job but not provided by the employer. The inland revenvue normally sets a limit for each type of thing rather than the actual costs, however it all helps.

There may even be rules whereby you can purchase through a salary sacrifice system - this is even better as you do not pay tax or NI on that part of your salary.