CRB check - query

[TondelayoSchwarzkopf]

Someone on know who works where a CRB check is a requirement needs theirs renewing. Their employer has asked them to sign a letter saying that if they leave in 6 months they have to pay the cost of the CRB?

Is this standard practice (and indeed legal?)

Any advice from HR and employment law types would be much appreciated.

Someone I know...

I wasn't aware that there was a cost involved. I have been CRB checked for the Guiding movement so that I can help out at Brownies and there was no talk about cost.

Volunteers are free I believe. Employees cost £36 for enhanced. I think it's more the principle of the matter IYSWIM.

I'm not aware of it being common, but there's no reason for it to be illegal, provided it is properly documented at the outset. It's a bit like saying you have to pay for your uniform or repay training costs if you leave quickly.

I guess there may be a technical issue if you were only paid minimum wage and the deduction took you below that. Hmmm [ponders].

I have agreed with my nanny that we will pay the costs of her maintaining her OFSTED registration (other than insurance which she is paying) which includes a CRB check, but that if she leaves within 6 months of us paying out she'll reimburse us for some of the cost. The idea is that it wouldn't be fair for us to pay all the costs and then she leaves the following month and her new employers get the benefit of the registration for which we paid all the costs.