Can an employer force me to sign a training agreement in retrospect?

[Guest]

I was approached by my employer to complete a training course as they required someone in the business to do this as it was an essential qualification.* As I was the only person within the company who had the necessary qualifications to get onto the course I was put forward.* Initially, I was happy to go on this course thinking it was simply a three-day course.* Prior to starting the course, they reduced my caseload to support me.* However, once on the course it quickly transpired that this was an 8-month course that involved a great deal of academic reading, assessments and video evidence.* Shortly after the three-day course, I was presented with a Learning Agreement.* That states if I leave the company I will be expected to pay back the full cost of the course £3,000.* My new line manager has stated I can not take time off during the working week to complete assignments and has now insisted upon increasing my caseload.* I feel very unsupported and stressed with a looming deadline, no incentives to complete the course and if I fail or leave will be given a hefty bill.* Can I refuse to sign the learning agreement?* Do I have any rights to request time to complete the course within my normal working hours?**

[R0b]

Sure you can refuse to sign the learning agreement, they can't force you to sign an agreement retrospectively unless you consent yourself.

Also, if your new line manager is refusing to give you time off to complete assignments then why don't you quit the course, surely it's going to hit the business more than you since you said it was an essential qualification for the business?

Whether you have any rights to complete the course within normal working hours will be set out in the learning agreement, so catch 22 for you.