To think it’s crazy that a p/t work contract can do this?

77 replies

NellesVilla · 02/11/2022 21:05

Hello!

I'm trying to get a mortgage alone for next year and need additional hours so have accepted a lovely admin job. V easy, pleasant job/workplace, nice hours etc. Extremely low hourly rate but feel this reflects the low pressure and stress. Just outside Brighton.

But…the contract stipulates that if you leave within 6 months (probation) you must pay them £1200 for ”training costs”. Wtaf? Especially when the training is on the job.

I was shocked and worried to read this because to be honest- with my mh issues- I am a flight risk and can’t guarantee I would last this long. I’m concerned I’d be obsessing over the time limit set out for this. Does anyone know for sure these days?!

I’ve already been stung this way in the past. I had a teaching post at a SEN school and upon arrival we were ‘welcomed’ with a £1,000 bonus which was repayable in the event of a resignation witching 3 months. I did indeed resign (and it was the best thing I did- no regrets) but I understood this to be fair as it was an ‘extra’ that I put aside in case I left iyswim.

This £1200 seems like a payment that maybe goes to finding another administrator, maybe? I’m shocked though; that the hourly rate is low, the training is about 15 hours and then you’re liable for this amount if leaving early.

Is this legal, please? Does anyone know?

OP posts:

Quveas · 04/11/2022 18:44

NellesVilla · 04/11/2022 17:56

Don’t think I’ve done my update, but for those interested, I’ve pulled away from the job offer. I couldn’t reconcile this penalty in my mind. It’s a ridiculous amount of money for a part time job of 10 hours a week for £12 per hr. As I said there were no training courses, solely a bit of online training which I’m sure wouldn’t have cost them £1200, even taking into account the wages of the trainer/existing member of staff paid.

I think it’s unethical to have certain clauses for a fairly unskilled part time role and I couldn’t respect such a greedy company. Additionally the contract said that you’d be expected to cover other staff in sickness/holiday etc and at other clinics. As someone on the ASD spectrum I wouldn’t want such surprises spring on me. I know this would overwhelm me, plus it was not mentioned at the interview.

As a self-employed person (for well over a decade) the tax man knows how much I earn on average so it’s not like I’m a recent convert to self-employment. I just want an additional role that is PAYE to give me a bit more income (obvs!) and a bit more of a steady pay cheque to throw into the mix. Onwards and upwards!

Please ignore the nastiness. Probably from people who've never worked in their lives. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior... you are right that trying this on probably tells more about the employer than about you. No reasonable employer tries this sort of unlawful act. You are better than this and deserve better. Unlike others on this thread.

SandyY2K · 04/11/2022 22:56

I think you've made the right decision to withdraw from the job tbh.

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