Help: advice needed re teenage son being asked to repay for taking a accepting a fake note.

[whoseafraidofnaomiwolf]

I have also posted in AIBU for traffic, but Im bloody furious

Situation: Teenage DS(16) works on a zero hours contract for £4hr with a local employer/ trader. DS recently - unknowingly -accepted a fake £50 note (he used the check pen provided, but nothing flagged amiss), but he didn't double check the note with his boss. His Boss called him when he discovered the fake, and has asked that my DS pay back the money in full, or work it off. This seems very harsh indeed for an employee with no contract on such a low wage. My DS doesn't recall being told he had to check £50's with his boss, but the boss says he told him back when he was first employed. According to my son there is no proof either way - it's his word against his boss. I would like to know if he can legally do this? Any advice/ experiences gratefully received.

What does his contract say?

useful link re lawful deductions

I believe he can only be asked to pay money back if it’s in his contract. Normally it’s not acceptable to be asked to repay shortages or mistakes that have cost money. So unless this is specified, he shouldn’t pay back a penny. I know some companies won’t accept £50 notes.

I would leave the job. If someone treats a young person like this, I don’t think they are worth working for. You cannot introduce “rules” after the event and provide equipment that doesn’t work and then blame others. Hopefully there are other jobs.

I have no idea of the legalities but would advise my son to leave and to look for a new job. What a horrible situation for him.

Is he earning £4.35 per hour,
As that is the legal minimum wage he is allowed to be paid. If he isn’t, I would suggest he quits immediately, he is already working for someone’s breaking the law, and it would surprise me if they tried to unlawfully deduct this money back.

Quit and don’t work notice
Report the employer
And find a better job