Compulsary training, do I have to pay?

[Bunsen356]

Hi my employers of 10+ years have requested that my team complete some training, this is not in response to any perceived lack of skills on our part but seems to be to fulfil an update in the company's commitment to develop their staff. My issue is that I've been asked to sign a document agreeing to pay for all or part of the training cost of I leave within 2 years. I didn't request and don't need this training and so I don't want to agree to this. Do I have to sign the document, and if I do could I be legally obliged to repay the cost of the training?

[atticus]

If you sign the document, its terms can be enforced. These things are commonly used.

If you refuse to sign, then other difficulties may arise between you and your employer. Your employer appears to have determined that you need this training: how do you propose to persuade it otherwise?

[sandfordboy]

Health & Safety at Work Act, section 7. BUNSEN356,Read the whole section carefully.Under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 employees have a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions whilst at work. This extends to co-operating to enable the employer to fulfill its legal duty.