Employers might be able to deduct money from final wages for training courses. This can only happen if it was agreed in the contract or in writing beforehand.
For example, an employer could ask someone to pay back training costs if they leave within 6 months. The agreement must be in writing before the training course starts.
Deductions for mandatory training must not reduce pay below the National Minimum Wage.
When a deduction can take wages below the National Minimum Wage
A deduction for training courses can only legally take someone's pay below the National Minimum Wage if all of the following apply:
- they agreed in writing to pay back costs, for example in a letter or email
- the training was voluntary
- they either chose to leave or were dismissed because of their conduct
Contact the Acas helpline to discuss your options if:
- you're making someone redundant
- a deduction for training courses would take their pay below the National Minimum Wage
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