Contracts at work?

[SecretSquirrel193]

When I joined my job, I was taken on with the promise of training which would be paid for by the company.
A while later I then signed a contract.

At some point after this (or before, I can't remember as over 2yrs ago)I was verbally told I would have to pay back training costs if I left the job within a certain time frame. I have looked in my contract and there is nothing that states this.

I am weeks away from sitting my second from last final exam (the final one is in Sept) and there has been rumbling talk over the last few months of new contracts being provided, I presume stating any costs will have to be paid back if I leave within this time frame (it decreases by 25% every 6m so would be "paid off" in 2yrs)

If this contract appears, do I legally have to sign it despite nearly completing said training? What about if it appears AFTER I've sat this exam coming up? I have always been told I'd have to pay back costs, but as its not in my contract currently, how would I stand?

Anyone?

BUMP?

Which country are you in?

UK

Sorry - which country.

England

Basically, an employer cannot impose changes on your contract unilaterally. In practice changes do occur regularly, which you agree to, like salary increases for inflation or changes to the employee hand book.

If you are in a union this is probably the best source of help, although you would need to join before the issue arises.

Otherwise it is probably best to get legal advice once you have a new contract to consider . You might have legal expenses insurance on your home, car, travel insurance or as part of a credit card package. Alternatively being a member of Which gives you access to legal advice.