Apprentice Wage Deductions

[arnoldsmum]

My 19 years old son started an apprenticeship as Technical Customer Service Apprentice in September 2015 for a small telecoms company. He was issued with his contract to sign today 4/12/16 but we are not happy with one of the clauses in the Deductions section.
It states : "THE COMPANY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO DEDUCT FROM THE EMPLOYEE'S REMUNERATION ANY AMOUNT FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO THE COMPANY THAT THE EMPLOYEE HAS CAUSED"
Surely this covers just about everything including any contracts that might not come to fruition potentially worth thousands of pounds? Would anyone sign this? Need advice as to what to do because he is not prepared to sign up to this liablity.

[ostell]

Re: Apprentice Wage Deductions

I wouldn't like that in a contract! Perhaps cross it out and sign and return the contract? Surely the company should have insurance to cover any losses?

Is this a true apprenticeship or has it been dreamed up as a method of employing someone at a reduced rate? (and possibly get a subsidy for doing so).