Many jobs that are not self employed insist you provide your own tools.
This is normally because those type of jobs require experience and with that you tend to have tools....mechanics are a good example. I know at the truck company I worked for the company provided safety gear like ear plugs/goggles/ boots and hi vis vests but nothing else
As to the tax people , for self employed i think it's quite straight forward, for everyone else it comes on you asking for a review of your tax code based on your trade and need to spend to carry on that trade. Not always allowed but more on..if you don't ask..