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Original poster

What do you think of having to repay training costs?

60 replies

Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:31

A job which requires 6 days of in-house training and approx 5 hours of online training. I think this is paid in a lump sum of approx £300 (so below min wage) and this is not paid until after you've completed probation.
If you leave the company within a year, you are liable to repay all costs to the employer.
Do you think this is right/fair? I assume it's deducted from your wages, but if you leave before starting then I'm not sure how they recover the costs?
I've never experienced this before.

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 27/07/2023 09:33

We have this in our contracts. It is to stop people taking the free training and then buggering off to use it in another job. It is rarely enforced tbh.

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:35

I do understand that, However the training isn't official in this case, no certificates are issued etc. There's literally no proof you've completed the training (except for the e learning) .

OP posts:
Cheesusisgrate · 27/07/2023 09:36

I think it's fair. It's common in many places and imho understandable. Never encountered it in UK but common where I am from in EU. Usually when the training can be used by competitors. Depends on what the training was.

crumpet · 27/07/2023 09:36

It’s fair for an employer to want to reap the benefit of having a trained employee after they have paid for it. What the timescale should be will no doubt vary depending on the costs, the job etc.

GenieGenealogy · 27/07/2023 09:37

It's very fair where the training is transferrable to another job.

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:37

Yeah, that's fair enough. I do think it's a bit cheeky paying below min wage however and not paying it for 3 months. I gave up a week to do it and won't see that money for several months (if it all) which has left me slightly in difficulty.

OP posts:
crumpet · 27/07/2023 09:38

When they paid is a separate issue. That should have been sorted with them beforehand if it would leave you out of pocket for a period.

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:39

I mean I took a week off unpaid to do it which is frustrating but ah well.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:39

I did ask but unfortunately there is no way they can pay it until after probation.

OP posts:
crumpet · 27/07/2023 09:40

Presumably the unpaid week is your investment into something that will be useful to you though?

crumpet · 27/07/2023 09:40

Hopefully the short term pain will translate into something that means it was worthwhile- good luck

Cheesusisgrate · 27/07/2023 09:41

Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:37

Yeah, that's fair enough. I do think it's a bit cheeky paying below min wage however and not paying it for 3 months. I gave up a week to do it and won't see that money for several months (if it all) which has left me slightly in difficulty.

Your problem isn't the training !

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 09:42

Hopefully! Thanks

OP posts:
fancreek · 27/07/2023 09:56

I disagree with these responses.

It's normal and fair to have to repay training costs, but this sounds as though it's your wages being withheld?

gallop17 · 27/07/2023 09:59

In my experience, I've had it in my contract where additional higher education qualifications have had a work back clause, usually reducing in percentage over time, training I have asked to do to improve my development.

But I wouldn't be happy to see it for mandatory training the employer requires me to do, I've not come across that personally.

gallop17 · 27/07/2023 10:01

From what you've said no I think that's shit and I wouldn't be happy with that, why did you have to do it unpaid?

DinnaeFashYersel · 27/07/2023 10:02

Its pretty common. Employer wants to ensure they are getting value out of the training that they are paying for.

soberfabulous · 27/07/2023 10:02

This has only been the case with my employers when it was personal training.

Training me to do my job, no I wouldn't be expected to repay that. Yours sounds like onboarding training OP. I wouldn't expect to pay for that.

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 10:03

Yes it is onboarding

OP posts:
MRex · 27/07/2023 10:04

Requiring you to repay a training cost if you leave within a period of time is fair. You should not be paid below minimum wage at any time however, have you mixed up the cost of the training and the cost of your time? Or is it an employer who isn't paying for your time at minimum wage, which may not be legal? If you're confused then call ACAS and they can help you with the detail.

theemmadilemma · 27/07/2023 10:08

Fairly standard. It's been in every contract I've had with large companies. However that has only been for external cost training, or official product training in-house - all transferable skills.

General on-boarding to the company would not fall under that.

Pkhsvd · 27/07/2023 10:09

I’ve not come across not being paid for it at the time and if they’re going to charge you for it I’d expect a certificate and some kind of proof of it.

MRex · 27/07/2023 10:10

ACAS number: 0300 123 1100

Original poster
Mapoftheproblematique · 27/07/2023 10:13

Thanks, I will call acas

OP posts:
theemmadilemma · 27/07/2023 10:14

Hang on I missed you didn't get paid while do it, that's not at all!!!

I'd be expected to be paid my full salarly while training absolutely.

And a big no to paying for Onboarding. I've never heard of that. Only transferable skills should be chargeable within a year.

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