pay withheld

[deltech]

I left a job recently after 6 weeks, and have had 29hrs pay withheld for the first 4 days of employment where I was undergoing IN-HOUSE training alongside 4 other new employees, all being trained by a full time member of staff.

My contract states:~

"If you receive any financial support for further education or training and subsequently leave the Company's employment during or within 24 months of the date on which the qualification was awarded, you will be required to repay the cost of the course in full inclusive of any examination fees as follows."

Within 6 months of completing studies - 100% repayment of fees

Within 12 months of completing studies - 75% repayment of fees

Within 18 months of completing studies - 50% repayment of fees

Within 24 months of completing studies - 25% repayment of fees


I do not consider IN-HOUSE training falls into the category to which my contract implies.

I also do not consider that WAGES should be classed as FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

It is only "minimum rate" but I cannot afford to lose this money.

I am NOT in a Trade Union, nor do I have free legal services available to me through bank accounts or car/house insurance etc.

Does my former employer have the right to withhold 29hrs pay?

If not, what can I do about it?

Thanks.

[ULA]

From your post and the details of the contract clause, in my opinion, this is about repayment for the cost of the course i.e. an external third party had to be paid for the delivery of the training.

I would suggest you write to your employer requesting their reasons for deducting 29 hours from your salary for an internal course for which there was no payment of fees and is therefore not covered by the provision of the contractual clause. I would also point out that you currently consider this to be an unlawful deduction of wages, unless they can provide an adequate explanation as to why this money is owed to them.