Training cost agreements

[Grosserygangrule]

Hi,

I am currently in a training cost agreement, the training was around 6k and it was made very clear to me that if I did not do the training then my job would be at risk (all verbal)

Anyway I have decided to look for a new job as my new md is frankly horrendous and I am miserable. The agreement states I have to pay the full amount back as training is not yet completed.

What I would like to know is, can they deducted my entire last wage with the amount (which would leave me nothing and still not cover the cost) as I obviously need to pay rent and childcare?

I am happy to pay back the amount but monthly in smaller amounts.

Does anyone know where I stand legally?

Thanks

I don't believe they can leave you paid less than minimum wage after deductions but I am not a lawyer so hopefully someone else will come along with more certainty in their answer.

Yes I had read that but minimum wage wounding cover my bills for the month. So wondering whether they can leave you unable to pay rent and essentials if you offer an alternative

Can anyone help?

Please phone ACAS, but if you owe them the money then I believe they can take it as long as they leave you with minimum wage

If the training agreement is valid and your contract states that they can deduct any money owed from your final pay, then yes, they can leave you with less than min wage and even take your whole final pay if the balance owed is more than the pay due.

If you're happy to repay the training costs, I'd suggest approaching them proactively with a suggested repayment schedule.

If the training agreement and contract are watertight then you're on the back foot here and need to be polite, cooperative and ask for their goodwill. You'd be surprised how many people come in aggressively on these things which doesn't make employers want to help.

That said, some training agreements aren't worth the paper they're written on, so might be worth checking if it's actually likely to stand up.

Could you have any grounds for constructive dismissal if things are so horendous under the new MD that you're looking for work elsewhere?

I don’t really want to go the route of constructive dismissal to be honest. Not sure if it is water right. I’ll speak to acas and get advice on Tuesday.

I don’t mind paying it back but I can’t afford to not be paid and not pay my rent and childcare etc

Verbal agreements are still legal agreements and you have undertaken the training so the agreement stands. It’s remiss of the firm not to put it in writing. However you may well find it deducted. Is there no training agreement in HR for you to look at?

I have seen the agreement it states it has to be paid back which is fine. As I’ve said I am happy to pay back but I can’t afford to lose an entire months salary I couldn’t pay me rent or childcare, food etc.

I guess I need to know how likely the employee is to agree a payment plan