Query re training fees

[Toontime]

Hello - I am due to leave my current firm this coming Friday (14th Feb).

I have worked there since August 2008 and during this time they have paid for me to take exams and assisted with the cost of study texts. The exams have been relevant to my job.

A new manager joined in January 2012 and in January 2013 he told us that with immediate effect (07.01.2013) we would be expected to repay the cost of exams/material if we left the company. We were only told verbally and were not issued with new contracts confirming this.

In 2013, the firm paid for 2 exams and I am fully expecting to pay back the cost of these. However, in September 2012 they paid for me to attend a course.

I have a meeting later in the week and this will probably come up.

My questions are;
Can they make me pay anything back as it is not within my contract (only mentioned - nothing formally agreed)?
Also, do I need to authorise for them to take any training costs from my salary

If anyone can give any help/guidance I would be grateful.

Thank you

[Tools]

Re: Query re training fees

Firstly, any expenses incurred by the company prior to the new managers decision you can forget, even if it were written into the contract January 7th 2013.

The two exams you took in 2013, again should not be repayable, as you say it was never formally written into your contract, unless you signed something separate agreeing to pay. Usually there is a time limitation (i.e you have to repay if you leave within 1 or 2 years of the expense), but if nothing was formally agreed they have no basis to ask for it back.

As for deducting any amounts from your wage, this can only be done with your agreement and at a rate affordable to you so you can meet living expenses. If they indicate they want the cost back, firstly ask for proof of their right to ask for it back (contract/separate agreement) and secondly, if you find you did sign to agree, then make it clear you do not want it to be deducted from your wages and will repay it under terms agreeable to both parties.

Have a read here also > http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4125

[teaboy2]

Re: Query re training fees

Agreed with Tools - If its not in your contract, then they are stuffed.

And on top of what Tools has stated - Any deductions by them (employer) from your finaly wage would be deemed as unauthorised deduction from wages (unless agreed by you), which is a breach of the employment rights act 1996 (section 13 i believe).

[Toontime]

Re: Query re training fees

Hi - Thank you for taking the time to respond, much appreciated.