Deductions for training courses - Final pay when someone leaves a job

Deductions for training courses

Employers can only deduct money for training courses if it was agreed in the contract or in writing beforehand.

Also, the training needed to be either:

  • voluntary
  • mandatory – and deducting the cost would not take the pay below National Minimum Wage

For example, an employer could ask someone to agree in writing before a training course to pay back costs if they leave within 6 months.

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 they agreed to pay back costs and either:

  • chose to leave
  • 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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