Health and safety training repayment

[mostexcellent]

I've been at my current job for 14 years, if thats relevant, and they want me to attend a health and safety type course (similar to first-aid, fire safety etc, legally required bye HSE). The person who used to go every few year doesn't want to have that responsibility anymore. They've asked me and I said I'd do it but they want me to sign a repayment contract if I leave I have to pay it back.
Can they do this? If the course was for my benefit or something I'd asked for I'd understand but the company needs to have someone trained in this surely they shouldn't be able to claw back the cost if i leave? I can't see anything on acas or anything specifically about health and safety repayment if its legally needed. Can anyone help please. If i don't sign it they'll kick off, if i'm honest I want to be able to sign it to keep the peace but if i left over the next 2 years for them to not be able to enforce it. jobs are few and far between at the minute and I don't want to risk rocking the boat at mine

Yes, they can. Provided they can fully justify the costs and the amount you have to repay goes down over time (so it isn't the full cost if you leave at any time in the next two years) it is likely to be enforceable as the law stands. The fact that it is a health and safety course is irrelevant, as is the fact that it is not for your benefit. From your employer's point of view, if you leave they are going to have to incur the cost of training someone else.

Some people think the law should change to stop employers doing this but, as things stand, your employer can insist you pay the cost of the course back if you leave.

thank you, its already been booked and paid for and i havent signed anything yet, i guess ill just say no and see what happens. if they insist on this repayment clause they'll struggle to find anyone who is willing to go on it.